At 3:56 a.m. the Boise Fire Department, the Boise Police Department and Ada County Paramedics responded to a house fire on the 2800 block of W. Lemhi Street. When first responders arrived, there was heavy fire coming from inside the house and one resident had been able to escape on their own. Boise Police officers immediately began evacuating neighbors and closing the road. Boise firefighters quickly entered the home and rescued a second resident. Ada County Paramedics rushed both victims to the hospital. Sadly, the adult victim rescued from the home succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased.
It took fire crews about 40 minutes to control the fire which extended throughout the main floor and into hard to reach areas in the roof. There was also a large amount of debris inside the home as well as multiple oxygen tanks which caused small explosions. Two firefighters received minor injuries and a dog and a cat passed away as a result of the fire.
Boise Fire and Boise Police are investigating the cause of the fire and that investigation is ongoing. The identity of the victim will be released by the Ada County Coroner.
The home did have smoke detectors. The Boise Fire Department reminds residents to install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them routinely. For more tips on smoke alarm installation and maintenance please visit https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/fire/fire-prevention/fire-safety-and-education/fire-safety/smoke-alarms/