'A complete loss'
DEVIN WEEKS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
Devin Weeks is a third-generation North Idaho resident. She holds an associate degree in journalism from North Idaho College and a bachelor's in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene. Devin embarked on her journalism career at the Coeur d'Alene Press in 2013. She worked weekends for several years, covering a wide variety of events and issues throughout Kootenai County. Devin now mainly covers K-12 education and the city of Post Falls. She enjoys delivering daily chuckles through the Ghastly Groaner and loves highlighting local people in the Fast Five segment that runs in CoeurVoice. Devin lives in Post Falls with her husband and their three eccentric and very needy cats. | April 14, 2022 1:00 AM
HAYDEN — Fire crews worked through the night and were still on site 18 hours after Ballard Golf Cars and Power Sports caught fire Tuesday evening.
The building at 11494 N. Warren St. was consumed by flames after a fire broke out in the work bays where maintenance and repair equipment is kept.
"It is a total loss,” Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Larson said Wednesday. "We do have the showroom and some office space still intact but there's a lot of smoke and water damage. It’s a complete loss."
He said the cause is "accidental or unknown," not suspicious.
He estimated it would cost at least $2.5 million to replace just the building.
"That's just an estimate from the market, that doesn’t include all the tools and different equipment" that was lost, Larson said.
The fire was first reported at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
"When crews arrived on scene there was smoke coming from the eaves and they saw flames breach through one of the windows," Larson said. "It went from a second alarm and grew to a third alarm."
He said this is "a substantial hit" not just to the owners, but to the employees, their families and to the community.
"The owners are going through a grieving process right now," Larson said. "It’s emotional, it's their livelihood."
He said for this to happen when building materials are in short supply, "it's going to take some time for them to be able to replace what they had."
Northern Lakes, Coeur d'Alene Fire, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Timberlake Fire, Hauser Lake Fire and Mica Kidd Island Fire districts responded. Deputies from Kootenai County Sheriff's Office secured the scene.
Larson complimented the quick work of the 911 dispatchers.
"They did an excellent job of being able to send resources and send help all through the night," he said. "They are the unsung heroes of our community."
MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES
ARTICLES BY DEVIN WEEKS
North Idaho College's Isakson, Haft are Lewis-Clark State College Alumni of the Year
North Idaho College's Isakson, Haft are Lewis-Clark State College Alumni of the Year
They both graduated from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene. They both attended Gonzaga University. They both work as deans at North Idaho College. Now, Vicki Isakson and Tami Haft are both the 2025 Lewis-Clark State College Alumni of the year.
Modern-day wizard showcases science sorcery at Bryan Elementary
Modern-day wizard showcases science sorcery at Bryan Elementary
Science is everywhere. Modern-day wizard David Hagerman made this joyfully apparent Thursday as he showcased his scientific sorcery to wow students at Bryan Elementary School. The Emmy-nominated David Hagerman generated laughter and wonder as he used gravity, electricity, chemical reactions and humor to share just how cool science can be.
Retired drill sergeant brings leadership, compassion to Lake City Center
Retired drill sergeant brings leadership, compassion to Lake City Center
It isn't immediately apparent that Lake City Center Executive Director Nancy Phillips is a retired U.S. Army drill sergeant who directed deployment teams in support of overseas operations and spent 20 years in active military service. She smiles and greets patrons by name when they walk in the door. Her voice is gentle and kind, and she is not of large stature. “There’s a picture of me as a drill sergeant,” she said Monday, beginning to smile. “I look like a 12-year-old.”