CAREYWOOD — Two Selkirk Fire firefighters were injured in a Friday morning crash after their engine left the roadway en route to a vehicle accident in the fire district's coverage area.

The firefighters were transported to Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene where they were treated for moderate injuries and then released, Selkirk Fire officials said.

Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said the accident happened after Engine 1227 was dispatched to the initial crash, which was reported at 6:42 a.m. Shortly before 7 a.m., the fire engine left the roadway and rolled over, destroying the vehicle and injuring the two-person crew aboard.

Timberlake Fire and Bonner County EMS responded to the fire engine accident, where both firefighters were assessed and transported to the Coeur d'Alene hospital by ground ambulance for further evaluation. Both received moderate injuries and will return to work when their recovery is complete, Armstrong said.

Selkirk Fire officials said they are grateful for the hospital's staff and the "exceptional care" that they provided the firefighters. The officials also thanked Timberlake Fire for their staff's assistance, before and after the incident, as well as Bonner County EMS crews for their care of the two firefighters.

“When I first learned of the incident, my primary concern was the condition of our firefighters," Armstrong said. "Their safety and needs, along with any support their family needed, was the top priority.”

Selkirk Fire will be conducting an internal investigation of the incident along with the Idaho State Police, which will be investigating the vehicle accident. Selkirk Fire stations remain staffed as normal. This incident remains under investigation and additional details will be forthcoming. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and release investigative findings when they are complete.

"Along with the Idaho State Police crash investigation, we have initiated our own independent investigation to ensure policies, procedures, and training standards were met," the fire district chief said. "Any deficiencies will be addressed immediately.”

Armstrong said the incident weighs heavily on him because the district's engines are funded by the taxpayers.

"While we are insured, we strive to be good stewards of your money and that includes taking care of the equipment you provide us," he added.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

    Two Selkirk Fire firefighters received moderate injuries after their engine left the roadway en route to a Friday morning vehicle accident in the fire district's coverage area.