Boise City Update: House Fire Determined To Be Accidental

Press release from the City of Boise:

January 13, 2021

Update: The investigation into yesterday’s house fire on W. Northview is complete and it’s been determined that the probable cause was electrical failure. The official cause is classified as accidental. The were no working smoke detectors in the home and extension cords were used as permanent wiring. The loss of life that resulted from this fire was a tragic outcome and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends.

The Boise Fire Prevention team reminds residents to install smoke alarms on every level of your home. 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/

Around 1:30 a.m. the Boise Fire Department responded to a single-story house fire with a victim on the 6700 block of W. Northview. Crews immediately attempted to rescue one elderly female who was found unresponsive in the home. Firefighters, along with Ada County Paramedics, attempted life-saving measures but sadly the woman passed away at the scene.

Fire crews continued to perform additional searches of the home for a second possible victim. It was later learned that person was safe and not home during the fire. While fighting the fire, crews also recovered a deceased dog in the home. The fire burned along the backside of the house and into the attic. It was controlled about 20 minutes after crews arrived on scene. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. The identity of the victim will be released by the Ada County Coroner.

This press release was produced by the City of Boise. The views expressed here are the author’s own.