RATHDRUM — Multiple agencies responded to a structure fire on the 7000 block of Winchester Street in Rathdrum on Saturday. 

According to Fire Marshal Tyler Drechsel with the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, the property owner was working on his motor home when it backfired and caught fire. The fire quickly spread to a detached garage, shop and other outbuildings. The official cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as accidental in nature.  

“We are relieved to report that there were no injuries or fatalities as a result of this incident,” read a statement from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District. 

The fire also spread to nearby wildland and burned approximately 1.5 acres. The Idaho Department of Lands was on scene to respond to the wildland aspect of the fire. 

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, Coeur d’Alene Fire, Rathdrum and Post Falls Police Departments, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department, Idaho State Police and Idaho Department of Lands were all on scene in addition to responders from all three of Northern Lakes Fire Protection District’s stations.  

Some residents reported hearing explosions in the area — these sounds most likely came from tires that caught fire and exploded in the extreme heat in one of the outbuildings, said Drechsel.  

    Plumes of smoke rise above the treeline during a structure and wildland fire in Rathdrum on Saturday.