MICA FLATS, Idaho – A tragic house fire in the Mica Flats area, just nine miles south of Coeur d’Alene, has left a small, tight-knit community in mourning.
The fire, which occurred on Sunday evening, claimed the lives of two men.
Their identities have not yet been released, pending an announcement from the Idaho State Fire Marshal.
The Mica Kidd Fire Chief, Robert Matue, expressed the profound impact this tragedy has had on the community.
“And what makes it so tough for my community up here – we’re a very small tight-knit community, so the family that was involved was one of the original family members up in this area,” said Matue.
He personally knew the victims, adding, “they’re a great family, so it’s been tough.”
Chief Matue believes this incident marks the first fatal house fire within the Mica Kidd Fire District.
The fire was first reported after neighbors heard a loud explosion. When firefighters arrived, they were informed that two people were missing.
After crews extinguished the fire, Chief Matue discovered the body of one of the victims and subsequently found the second victim the following day.
“Five of my firefighters – this was their first fire, so they’ve never seen death, they’ve never seen a dead body,” Matue stated, highlighting the emotional toll on his team.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal.
The community is grappling with the loss and seeking ways to support the affected family. Chief Matue has invited those who wish to help to visit the fire station.
