BONNERS FERRY — The Elite Tire & Suspension auto shop burned down early Sunday, Dec. 28, destroying the building. The fire likely started in a server area, according to the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office. No other properties were damaged. 

The business, which also operates locations in Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene, opened its Bonners Ferry shop in April 2024. 

The Bonners Ferry Fire Department, along with Paradise Valley Fire District and other agencies, responded to the fire. 

Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl said one of his deputies investigated the scene. 

“Preliminarily, we've determined that the fire appears to have started in a server area,” Sandahl said. “There were some computer servers, and we're looking at a probable failure of a power supply. We're not 100% sure. My investigator is going back there tomorrow and taking a second look at it and verifying their initial findings.” 

Sandahl expected the investigation to be completed as soon as Tuesday, Dec. 30, although he said insurance companies may conduct their own reviews. 

“They may or may not have their own investigator go up there and take a look at and double check our findings and go from there, but after (Tuesday), we'll probably be done with it,” Sandahl said. “The documentation includes real good photographic evidence showing fire pattern analysis, the progression of the fire, and all the other indicators that lead us to the area of origin.” 

Sandahl said investigators do not believe the fire was intentionally set. 

“There's zero probability of this being a criminal act,” Sandahl said. 

Elite Tire & Suspension was acquired in May 2025 by Big Brand Tires, a California-based company. 

Jason Mead, director of operations for the region, gave a statement regarding the fire. 

“We are all devastated by this loss, but the community support and outreach has been amazing and greatly appreciated,” Mead wrote. “Employees all have been retained and will be working at our local store in Ponderay. We would encourage and appreciate all customers to visit that location for auto service and to show their support to our staff.” 

“There are plans to rebuild, but details are unknown at this time. We are awaiting the fire marshal to determine cause of the fire before we know if any safety procedures need to be reviewed and or updated. No cause has been determined.” 

Al Wilson Auto Repair, which previously operated at the property, issued a statement on Facebook on Dec. 29. 

“We are available to take care of Elite Tires loyal customers with any and all front-end and brake work you may need done while they rebuild,” the shop said. “This was our old shop. In this small community, we have to take care of each other.”