Fire destroys Burke Canyon home, auto-shop

CORNWALL — It was a multi-agency effort last Thursday night when fire personnel from several departments converged on a structure fire in the Burke Canyon.

Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 reports that its crews were alerted of an incident at 5420 Burke Canyon Road in Cornwall around 9:18 p.m.

While enroute to the blaze, dispatch informed crews that not only was the structure completely engulfed, but the fire had spread to nearby parked vehicles as well. It was at this time that they immediately requested for mutual aid from SCFD No. 2 and Mullan Volunteer.

Upon arrival at 9:33 p.m., SCFD No. 1 firefighters made contact with a Shoshone County Sheriff's Deputy, who could not confirm if the structure was vacant or not. Firefighters were able to quickly confirm that the residence was unoccupied after making entry not long after their arrival.

By the size of the flames when they first got there, SCFD No. 1 volunteer firefighter/engineer Noah Guinard estimated that the fire had been burning for roughly five to 10 minutes before the call even came in.

Fire crews from all involved agencies battled two main challenges while dealing with the blaze — a lack of operating room and a lack of water.

Because of the position of the home in relation to the neighboring hillside to the south and Burke Creek to the north, crews were unable to fully encircle the building with their attack and had to spread out along the two-lane Burke Canyon Road. This proximity to the hill also raised concerns that the fire could spread to the hillside itself.

The limited working area complicated the process of getting water to the engines, as most of it had to be trucked in.

"The closest hydrant is at Canyonside apartments, roughly 4 miles away, so that's where we were sending all of our water trucks," Guinard said.

Water shuttles had to constantly go back and forth to fill the engines up, requiring them to drive through the active scene and avoid hose lines and personnel.

SCFD No. 1 Cpt. John Miller estimated that crews dumped roughly 10,000 gallons of water on the affected structures and vehicles.

The structure itself was divided into a first story auto-shop and a second story living area. The shop portion was filled with items that are associated with the type of work that is done there.

"Because it was an auto-shop, there were just so many combustibles in there," said SCFD No. 1 Lt. Victor Malsom. "We had propane cylinders popping off, then at least four — 50 gallon oil drums… Once those things catch, they burn forever."

After being on scene for roughly four hours, the fire had finally been knocked down with damage being relegated to the originally affected structures and no injuries being reported.

"Everyone did really well," Lt. Malsom said. "Knowing that it was already fully engulfed, we immediately called for mutual aid just for the simple fact that we knew we were going to need more people."

The additional units also helped with the water shortage experienced by crews.

"It's rural America," Malsom said. "You choose to sacrifice some necessities when you choose to live up that far. One of them is an adequate water supply."

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office. Deputy State Fire Marshal for District 1, Jason Blubaum, did tell the News-Press that the point of ignition was the first story shop.