Fire destroys contents of Highland Flats home
But already, the community is coming together to help Stanley Graff, 70, and Sheniece get back on their feet.
Report of the fire near Four Corners in Highland Flats came in at 1:22 p.m. April 10, and South Boundary firefighters responded quickly, but their efforts were hampered by thick smoke, high winds and boggy ground hampered efforts.
"The only places we could set up our apparatus were downwind, so not only were we fighting the fire, we had to contend with the smoke as well," South Boundary Fire Chief Tony Rohrwasser said.
Crews were able, with difficulty, to stretch a line to a nearby pond in short time and keep the fire from spreading, but because of adverse conditions, they called for mutual aid assistance from Paradise Valley and North Bench fire departments.
Graff suffered minor burns trying to save some of his belongings, but his efforts were unsuccessful and all he came out with were the clothes he was wearing, which didn't include a coat or his shoes, as he was wearing slippers at the time. He was treated and released at Boundary Community Hospital.
Even as smoke poured from his home, neighbors began working to help. While Stan was put up at the Naples Inn, one neighbor graciously took in Sheniece. Another, Beth Berry, began making arrangements to get them the essentials they'll need to get back on their feet.
Stan is meeting with a Red Cross liaison today.
"This community is wonderful!" Beth said. "Jacob's is donating a dog care kit and Hope House is donating some items. All donations for Stan can go to Caring People for Animals thanks to Barbara Brown and they are also offering Stan some of what he needs, which is very nice of them."
According to Beth, Stan wears size 9 1/2 shoes, and size medium clothing, larger rather than smaller. She estimates a 30-inch inseam for his pants, and said he's in need of socks, underwear, toiletry items, towels and a wallet.
In addition, he'll need kitchen items, utensils, plates, cookware and silverware; basic furnishings, blankets ... all the items needed to live and be independent. He also needs dog food, dog treats and food and water dishes for a large dog for Sheniece.
Items are being collected for him at Caring People for Animals, 6410 Main Street in Bonners Ferry.
Cause of the fire is undetermined as yet, though Rohrwasser said no foul play is suspected. With wisps of smoke still rising, he and the state fire marshal began an investigation to make a determination this morning.