Coeur d'Alene home destroyed in 'suspicious' fire

A Coeur d'Alene home was destroyed in a fire early this morning, while an earlier, nearby fire was believed to be intentionally set. 

This morning at about 3:40, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department personnel and Coeur d’Alene Police officers responded to a reported fire in an undeveloped wooded area in the 6500 block of N. Mineral Drive, west of Highway 95.

Responders located a fire covering an area of about 75 feet by 75 feet. Idaho Department of Lands Fire Investigators also responded to assist. 

"Preliminary investigation and evidence recovered at the scene indicate the fire was intentionally set and has been classified as arson," a press release said. "Fire crews successfully extinguished the blaze before it could spread to nearby businesses or structures."

While personnel were responding to the Mineral Drive fire, a second fire was reported at about 4 a.m. in the 7600 block of N. Wheatfield Drive, less than a mile from the first incident.

Coeur d’Alene Fire and Police personnel responded to the residence and found the home fully engulfed in flames. 

"Due to the size and intensity of the fire, a neighboring residence also caught fire and sustained damage. Firefighters were able to extinguish both fires and prevent further damage to surrounding homes and property," the release said.

Given the arson fire on Mineral Drive and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the Wheatfield Drive house fire, Coeur d’Alene Police Detectives and the Fire Marshal’s Office were called to investigate.

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is requesting assistance from the public. Anyone with video surveillance footage from the areas of N. Wheatfield Drive, Combine Way, N. Sweet River Drive, N. Heartland Drive, Harvest Moon Avenue, or W. Pinegrove Drive is asked to review recordings from between 3:45. and 4 a.m. for any individuals or suspicious activity in the area.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.