BONNERS FERRY — Two shop fires had firefighters busy on Thursday, Nov. 7, on Moon Shadow Road and Huff Road.

The call came out first for the fire on Moon Shadow Road. North Bench Fire responded with auto aid from South Boundary Fire and Paradise Valley Fire. Hall Mountain Fire was called in for mutual aid, but before they were able to reach the fire, they were redirected to a fire on Huff Road, which is in their district.

The fire on Moon Shadow Road was in a commercial building. According to North Bench Fire Chief, Gus Jackson, the people on scene attempted to extinguish the fire themselves.

“Initially the people on scene though that they had it out,” said Jackson.

The fire had traveled up the wall and into the attic space. Once the people on the scene saw the flames again, they called 911.

Firefighters were able to get the fire under control quickly. They also had to pull out material from the ceiling area, as the fire was in the insulation of the building.

“It is important to call 911 first, before taking any action to fight the fire, and if doing so, make sure to do it safely,” said Jackson.

According to Jackson, the fire was started with the mechanical failure of a wood stove.

The fire on Huff Road was initially referred to as a barn fire, but upon arriving on scene, Hall Mountain Fire found it was a shop fire.

“The building was 70 percent involved when the first unit arrived,” said Hall Mountain Fire Chief, Brad Lowther. “We called for mutual aid from Canyon-Lister as they are the closest agency.”

They had eight of their own personnel respond to the scene with 15,000 gallons of water at the ready, so they were able to cancel mutual aid.

“The building was a loss, although part of the building was saved and there was no damage to exposures,” said Lowther. “Our folks put out the fire and overhauled it with 3,500 gallons of water. I am proud of our folks, they did a great job.”

Like the other fire, according to Lowther, the apparent cause of the Huff Road fire was also a wood stove.