KOOTENAI — An individual was found deceased after an early morning structure fire Sept. 28, Northside Fire District officials said Wednesday.  

While responding, Northside Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said first responders received credible information that the resident might be trapped inside. Northside, Selkirk and Sandpoint firefighters battled heavy fire conditions and a partial structure collapse during their efforts to mitigate the fire and search for the person who occupied the house, coming up unsuccessful.  

The home's resident was in the structure, located on North Kootenai Road, at the time the fire was discovered.  

"The first-arriving engine, staffed with a crew of three, initiated a search by entering the residence through a bedroom window. Firefighters encountered significant contents and obstructions inside the home, which complicated search efforts. Crews searched the bedroom and accessible portions of the structure that remained standing but did not locate the occupant," Armstrong said.  

After the fire was brought under control, responders were able to locate the deceased occupant near the rear door of the building.  

At the time of publishing, the cause of the fire remains undetermined. The incident is under investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office. While no specific ignition source has been determined, investigators noted a wood stove, portable heaters, and extension cords inside the residence.  

The fire was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m., prompting a Nixle alert at 6:06 a.m. from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office asking county residents to avoid the area as the road was closed to the public. Roads were opened back up at 1:32 p.m.  

Officials encourage residents to visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/ for fire prevention measures.