Around 1:47 pm Boise Fire responded to a large structure fire at a warehouse on the 5400 block of W. Irving St. Due to heavy fire conditions, firefighters immediately began attacking the fire from the outside and working to protect nearby buildings. They also coordinated evacuations of nearby businesses with Boise Police. Thirteen (13) Engines, three (3) ladder trucks, three (3) Command Officers, one (1) rehab unit, Ada County Paramedics and Boise Police responded. The warehouse on the east side of the building collapsed and is completely destroyed. The Idaho Youth Ranch building also received some damage. There are no reports of injuries to civilians. Two firefighters have been treated for injuries. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital in stable condition and one firefighter was treated and released on scene.
“With this large of fire and due to the temperature outside, a lot of the times firefighters will struggle with heat-related injuries. We upgraded this fire to a 3rd alarm, which adds additional crews” said Aaron Hummel Boise Fire’s Division Chief of Operations. “Crews isolated the fire to the warehouse building and expect to be on scene putting out hot spots until the morning.”
Orchard St. to Curtis Rd. and Emerald St. to Kendall St. were closed. Irving Street will remain closed between Orchard St. and Curtis Rd. until further notice. Neighbors were also asked to stay away from nearby smoke as it may be toxic and unsafe to breathe. Firefighters expect to be on scene for several hours and possibly until tomorrow morning.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Anyone who witnessed anything before the fire started or has information about the fire is asked to call Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790 or Crime Stoppers at (208) 343-COPS.
