Fire crews respond to Sunny Slopes house fire
Photos by Chanse Watson/ A firefighter sprays down the central part of the home while standing on a ladder.
The view of the scene looking North. Smoke from the blaze could be seen from across town.
A firefighter conducts mop-up operations on the east end of the home.
Crews worked quickly to ensure that flames did not jump to the neighboring home.
Chris Myers, IDL firefighter, hoses down the back yard and the North side of the building.
A view of fire crews getting up close to the home with a hose and ladder so they can attack the blaze from above.
Zach Cox (black shirt) gathers with loved ones to pray.
OSBURN— With wild fires occurring in the forest, its easy to be detached from the situation.
But when the fire literally hits home- it can be indescribable.
Zach Cox, homeowner and USW 5114 member on strike at the Lucky Friday Mine, was almost at loss for words when he discovered Tuesday afternoon that his family’s home in the Sunny Slopes area of Osburn had caught fire.
“When I went in for surgery this morning, everything was fine,” Cox said with emotion.
Cox lived in the home with his wife, Cara Cox, and two children- none of whom were in the structure at the time of the fire.
Fire crews with Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 (SCFD1) were first on scene and arrived to the sight of the home completely engulfed in flames.
The responding three-person crew was initially a bit overwhelmed, but quickly got to work to determine if any human life was in danger while putting the call out for further assistance.
After they determined that no one was in danger, the fire fighting collaborative comprised of crews from SCFD1, SCFD2, and the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) turned their attention to saving property.
“Once we realized that there was no threat to life,” SCFD1 Fire Chief Aaron Cagle explained, “the priority became the neighbor’s house and the wilderness behind the home.”
Defensive fire lines were immediately established on the east side of the engulfed structure to prevent the flames from reaching the neighboring home. Crews also circled around to the north side to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby grass field and hillside.
Because of these efforts, the fire was completely contained to the original structure.
IDL even broke out their small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAV) to fly above the area and ensure that no secondary fires had be started as crews mopped up the scene.
Avista work crews where also there to shut off the electricity flowing to the nearby power lines.
As far as loss of life and damage, two dogs were killed as a result of the fire and the home has been declared a total loss.
A pickup truck parked in the driveway of the home also received minor damage.
Chief Cagle was pleased with how his crew responded to the incident.
“Quickly, safely, and efficiently- as always,” he said when describing how firefighters handled the situation.
Cagle was saddened that more could not be done to save the home, but he explained that when fire crews arrive to a fully engulfed structure- there is not much that can be done at that point except make full efforts to save life and property.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but initial observations suggest that the fire began on the North side of the structure.
V-shaped burn patterns found also suggest that the point of the ignition was in the center of the home.
The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office could not be reached for comment regarding if foul play is suspected or not.
A crowd fund has been set up to raise money for the family and help them through this time of need.
To donate, visit youcaring.com and search “Help Zach & Cara Cox after losing their home” in the search bar.
In-person/ physical donations can be dropped off at Hayman’s Auto Body & Towing located at 60664 Silver Valley Road, Wallace.