Information sought on warming hut fire
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 8 years, 11 months AGO
This warming hut built for snowmobilers and ATV and motorcycle riders in the Coeur d’Alene River area was destroyed by fire. It was built in 2013 and replaced another hut that also burned down at the site. Courtesy photo
Photo by Dennis Falconer The Skitwish warming hut south of Honeysuckle Campground was reduced to a pile of debris after it was destroyed by a fire that has been deemed suspicious by investigators.
A suspicious fire that destroyed a warming hut last fall is still under investigation by Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office investigators who are seeking the public’s help.
The warming hut — south of Honeysuckle Campground below Skitwish Peak, off Forest Road 202 near Marie Saddle — was used by snowmobilers, cyclists and ATV-riders. It burned sometime between 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22.
Investigators have identified a vehicle of interest in the case and are asking hunters who have game cameras in the area for additional information.
“During this time frame a red or maroon 1990s Ford Ranger, or similar type pickup, was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed, occupied by two people,” a KCSO press release states. “The vehicle was also observed driving around a secured gate in the Wolf Lodge area.”
It was the second time in four years the popular hut burned down.
An Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grant of $21,393 funded rebuilding the hut in 2013. It took 798 volunteer man hours to construct the building. Much of the materials were donated or offered at a reduced price.
Warming huts offer outdoor recreationists a place to rest, have a meal or seek shelter when the weather turns bad.
Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Det. M. Zirker at the sheriff’s office at (208) 446-2257 or [email protected].