PONDERAY, Idaho — A residential fire on North Kootenai Road resulted in one fatality, according to the Northside Fire District.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, fire crews responded to the scene and encountered heavy fire conditions and a partial structural collapse. A three-person engine crew entered through a bedroom window to search for a reported trapped occupant but were unable to locate the person due to significant obstructions inside the home.
After firefighters brought the fire under control, the deceased occupant was discovered near the rear door of the residence.
Investigators identified the area of origin as containing a wood stove, portable heaters and extension cords, but the cause remains undetermined with no specific ignition source identified.
Northside Fire extended its condolences to the family and friends affected by the tragedy.
The U.S. Fire Administration offers resources on home fire prevention and heating safety at usfa.fema.gov.
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