We are currently at HIGH fire danger

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Lightning Creek Fire looking North East from the Sagle area

July 9th SOFD Agenda

4th of july tradition_ship

On February 11, 2019 Sam Owen fire was requested by Selkirk Fire for man power to respond the 200 block of N First Ave in down town Sandpoint. Initially Co-Chief Eigler,

Engineer Theander, and Fire fighter Jensen respond to the scene in 1362. Both Probationary Firefighter Bansemer and Explorer Bansemer arrived on scene ahead of 1362. Upon arrival Sam Owen was met by Selkirk fire and was given an assignment. Soon after arrival the building became structurally unsafe and the fire became a defensive fire.

Firefighters attempted to save the buildings but because of old building construction, the type of fuel, and structural integrity of the building the fire had the upper hand. Weather also played a roll in the loss of the structure. Temperatures hovered around ten degrees freezing gear, making things slick, and attempting to slow firefighters down by making them cold.

Sam Owen fire fighters were a huge help along with other fire departments including all of the Selkirk stations, Northside fire, Schweitzer fire, and later West Pend Oreille fire, Clark Fork Fire, Northern Lake fire, and Timberlake fire. Bonner County EMS, Bonner County Sheriff, and Sandpoint PD also were major helpers. A special thanks to the lineman and crew the helped turn off the utilities and helped keep the firefighters safe while working.

1362 was a crucial part to the fire scene because it is equipped with a cascade system that allowed firefighters on scene to refill air bottles. This in turn allowed more fire fighters to fight longer.

Sam Owen fire was on scene for 3 hours before returning back to Sam Owen Station 1 where we regrouped and redeployed a second wave of man power this time it was Co-Chief Scofield leading

, Captain Thompson, Engineer Leverton and Engineer Theander for approx 1 hour this round.

Five business were destroyed and the building was structurally comprised and parts of it will have to be demolished in the coming weeks. This is a very sad loss to the business owners and the community as a whole. Our hearts go out to those affected.

Is the station manned?

Although you may see us there on a regular basis we do not man the station 24/7.

If I am having an emergency who do I call?

911

I am pretty sure I live outside your district how do I make sure that I have fire protection?

You may already be in the district and not know it and if you are not you may be eligible for a contract. For more information please contact us via our “Contact us” tab found at the top of this page.

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