Idaho Power equipment sparked Mountain Home wildfire that destroyed 15 homes

Idaho Power equipment ignited a brush fire last week in Mountain Home that destroyed 15 homes, damaged dozens of vehicles and burned approximately 300 acres before crews contained it, according to investigators and the utility company.

The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that strong winds caused two electrical service lines ― one running to a well pump house and another to a nearby garage ― to contact each other, creating arcing and sparking. Molten aluminum and melted wire insulation then fell into dry vegetation, igniting a fire that was rapidly driven by sustained winds of 30-35 mph with gusts reaching 52 mph.

The fire broke out Tuesday evening. Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office spent Wednesday examining the area east of Flyby Road, south of Airbase Road.

In addition to the 15 homes, at least 12 vehicles were destroyed, including inventory from a wrecking yard, along with numerous outbuildings.

Four days before the fire, Idaho Power had lifted one of the service lines after the property owner reported that lines were hanging too low and posed a potential hazard.

Idaho Power acknowledged its equipment’s likely role in starting the fire.

“Our immediate priority is the community, customers and first responders impacted by the fire,” said Lisa Grow, Idaho Power’s president and CEO. “Our thoughts are with all of those who suffered damage to their homes and property, and with the first responders impacted while bravely helping others to evacuate.”

Grow also thanked emergency personnel who responded to the blaze.

“We offer our sincere appreciation to all the first responders who helped care for the safety of our community and responded quickly to the fire,” she said. “We are committed to taking care of our customers in the days ahead.”

The company said it is reaching out directly to affected customers and urged anyone who suffered losses to submit a claim by calling 208-388-2409. Idaho Power said it is committed to reviewing and responding to each claim promptly.

State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl praised the coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the Idaho State Police, Mountain Home Fire and Police departments and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.

“Due to their collaborative efforts, we were able to quickly determine the cause,” Sandahl said. “Our office is relieved and grateful that the injured sheriff’s deputy is recovering and that everyone affected by this fast-moving fire remained safe. This wildfire had the potential of being far worse, and we commend first responders for their efforts and encourage communities to plan and mitigate such potential events.”

An Elmore County Sheriff’s deputy was injured during the response. Sandahl’s office did not provide details on the extent of those injuries.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is urging property owners to regularly inspect electrical service lines on their property and report any concerns ― including low-hanging or damaged lines, or trees making contact with wires ― to their utility provider immediately, particularly ahead of Idaho’s wind events and dry conditions when fire danger is elevated.

Idaho Power said it will continue cooperating with external agencies as the investigation proceeds.

This story was written using artificial intelligence with human oversight.