POST FALLS — Two Post Falls structure fires on Thursday were minimized by firefighter actions, but have led to warnings about fires during the cold snap.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue responded to 12238 W. Parkview at 9:28 p.m. for a reported fire in a dryer.

"The occupant was alerted by a strange noise and discovered the fire," said Warren Merritt, KCFR chief. "When firefighters arrived, flames were visible from the laundry room window."

Crews controlled the fire in less than 10 minutes after arriving.

A mechanical item in the dryer overheated and caused the fire, Merritt said.

"The occupants were temporarily displaced and are staying with relatives in the area until an electrician can come to the home and isolate the circuit," Merritt said.

The damage to the home is estimated to be less than $5,000.

A second structure fire was reported at 6:03 p.m. at 312 E. Second Ave. in a detached garage.

When crews arrived, there was smoke visible from the garage door and, shortly after that, fire from the peak of the roof, Merritt said.

The fire was controlled in less than 10 minutes. The cause of the fire was a faulty oil line feeding the wood stove on start-up, Merritt said.

The damage to the garage was estimated to be about $2,000.

Neither the occupants nor firefighters were injured during the fires.

"I am very proud of the work our members are doing under some difficult conditions with the weather the area is experiencing right now," Merritt said, adding KCFR's Station 1 in Post Falls responded to more than 30 incidents during a 48-hour period.

Merritt said residents should take precautions during the extreme cold temperatures.

"Cold temperatures and the holiday season will bring other issues that require proper care — frozen pipes and the use of candles inside homes," Merritt said. "KCFR urges everyone to be sure you have a working smoke detector in your home, never leave candles unattended and, if your pipes become frozen, do not use a torch or open flame of any kind to thaw them out. A hair dryer is an excellent alternative."