Firefighters respond to store fire involving pile of wood near Blackfoot

BLACKFOOT — Crews responded to a fire after a pile of wood burned and flames spread to the back of a department store near Blackfoot.

The incident occurred after 11:50 a.m. Thursday. The Blackfoot Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 615 West area of ​​Riverside.

Firefighters were notified that the store — which is detached from the home — was on fire with several vehicles inside, according to a news release.

When firefighters arrived, they found “a pile of wood on fire and flames extending to the back of a department store.” Crews launched an “aggressive fire attack” with multiple water hoses, preventing the fire from spreading further to the store. They also put out the woodpile.

Blackfoot Fire Chief Bryon Howell told EastIdahoNews.com that no one was in the store when the fire broke out and there were no injuries.

Howell said the fire was caused by the homeowners burning yard debris. He said the total cost of the damage to the building was unknown.

“Just be very cautious of debris fires near or around buildings or woodpiles and watch the winds,” Howell said. “I know we didn't have any strong winds, but some really good gusts of wind yesterday.”