OROFINO, ID – (Window on the Clearwater) – A second home was destroyed by fire Sunday, this one in the 100 block of Woodland Meadow Road northeast of Orofino. Window on the Clearwater reports:
Twin Ridge Rural Fire was toned out at about 3:30 Sunday to the double-wide manufactured home of William and Anne Connor. Fire Chief Glen Crockett said from what he was told, they had just stoked the woodstove and went to town. When they came back it was on fire. He added that it was likely a problem with the chimney or woodstove, but there was nothing left for the State Fire Marshal to investigate, so he was not called.
Connors lost their dog in the fire. There were no other injuries
Crockett said the biggest challenge was the temperatures. The whole department was there. After they had used the water in their trucks, they attempted to use a nearby pond, but could not get it to draw and had to go to the Konkolville area to refill. With the icy roads, that was about half an hour each way.
Orofino Fire responded in mutual aid and helped to fill in with water during that time. However, they were still dealing with equipment and hoses freezing up whenever they were not in use because it was below zero.
Twin Ridge RFD was back at the scene Monday for flare ups in hidden places.
Crockett advised people to inspect their chimneys and woodstoves often and if there is a fire in the stove, keep an eye on it. Be as careful as possible.
