What started as a morning of smoke and evacuations turned into an afternoon outpouring of community support and neighborliness after an electrical fire sparked the evacuation of a local petting zoo. 

There were no injuries. 

According to owners Jace and Ginger Harris, around 11 a.m. a section of wiring near the back of Big Red’s Barn erupted in flames, prompting employees to begin emergency procedures. 

“Since we have over 100 different animals here, we always have a plan in place to make sure we can get everyone evacuated to safety,” Jace said.

With smoke filling the room, first responders from Coeur d’Alene Fire, Northern Lakes Fire and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and Idaho State Police responded. 

Six employees were tasked with evacuating, and then caring for, 100 animals, many of which cannot survive in Idaho’s climate for any extended period of time.

 That’s when North Idaho stepped up. 

“Within 10 minutes, that six turned into 56,” Jace said. 

UPS drivers, family friends, ex-employees, their veterinarian and more began pouring onto the scene, all asking if they could help. Some even offered their trailers to haul animals and their property to house them. 

“It’s the best thing to know that our community backs us,” Ginger said. 

Upon reviewing camera footage, the Harrises saw the exact moment and location of the fire behind a tropical fish tank in a back room. While connected to faulty wires, it never turned off, saving the fish within it. 

“When you’re in it for the right reasons, God takes care of you,” Ginger said.

Within a few hours of a fire lighting in their back room, Big Red’s Barn evacuated all of its animals, located the electrical issue, got it fixed and loaded the animals back into their spaces and reopened for business.

They said they are thankful for everyone's help and support. 

Just a few dozen feet away from the morning's commotion sits the Gourmet Bean coffee stand. Ella Venderhoes spent her morning serving coffee to commuters and locals, she was nearly done with her shift before the fire locked down the area, forcing her to stay put. 

After receiving a call from her manager to hand out free coffees to first responders, Venderhoes got right to work. 

She said she was happy to help.

“A lot of my family is ex-law enforcement and military and so I like being able to show our appreciation,” Venderhoes said. 

After things calmed down, Coeur d’Alene Firefighter Zach Brawley stopped by the stand for a free chai. He said he was thankful for the gesture.

“I feel like we have the support of the public,” he said. “That’s always appreciated."

    Big Red's Barn is actively running a Facebook poll about what to name their newest animal, a baby boy Meishan pig. If interested visit Big Red's Barn Facebook and comment your suggestions. From left: Kirk Villa, Jason Harris, Blake Schioberg holding Karl the Cockatoo, Jace Harris, Gina Lancaster holding Jasper the Ferret, Haely Harris holding Alice the Quaker Parrot, Ginger Harris holding the unnamed pig, and veterinarian David Balderrama.
  

    A barista hands a free Chai to Coeur d'Alene Firefighter Zach Brawley.
  

    Big Red's Barn co-owner Jace Harris holds a scorched pumpkin that was near the electrical fire.
  

    Big Red's Barn reopened mere hours after the fire evacuated the whole building. Jace Harris said the faulty wiring has already been replaced.