KETCHUM, Idaho —
26 homes were lost in a structure fire that broke out at the Limelight Condominium on 2107 Warm Springs Road in Ketchum, Saturday evening.
According to city officials, firefighters initially searched the condo for anyone inside the building before fighting the fire. They are reporting no human casualties. At the moment, it is unclear if any pets were lost in the fire.
"I am thankful to all the crews that responded valley-wide," said Ketchum Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin. "This type of collaboration is critical when fighting a fire of this magnitude."
With support from the city’s Housing Strategist and members of the community, Ketchum is currently working on developing short- and long-term accommodations for the people displaced by the fire.
"Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and some who may have lost their pets," said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. "This community is coming together once again and I thank them for the support we have received so far, whether it be from providing temporary shelter, clothing or financial assistance."
Ketchum, Sun Valley, Wood River, and Hailey Fire departments responded to the incident, fighting the fire throughout the night and containing it around 4 a.m. on Sunday. Crews are currently still on scene working on any remaining hotspots.
Idaho Falls American Red Cross is also responding to the incident and will be providing essential items, immediate financial assistance and other forms of support for the people displaced by the fire.
The condos were all privately owned units, that housed both short and long-term residents of Ketchum. The rents were more affordable compared to other areas of the town, accord to Bradshaw.
It's currently unknown how many residents were displaced.
The city is taking up three initiatives to help those who were affected. Their housing strategist is matching people who are opening their homes for those who are displaced, a local thrift store is collecting donations, and the Blaine County Charitable Trust has set up a page where people can donate.
“We have the resources because we have an incredible community who have really rallied around those that have been displaced and really throwing their hat in the ring to help out in any manner they possibly can," Bradshaw said. "I cannot be more grateful for all the calls, texts, emails I've received offering assistance for those that have been displaced. They're a testament to our community in terms of responding to what is a very difficult and tragic situation.”
The fire chief expects the source of the fire came from a propane barbeque, although the fire marshal hasn't given a final verdict yet. Officials also expect that a few pets perished in the fire.
The community has been able to rally together for those who lost their homes. Everyone impacted by the fire had a place to sleep last night.
"I have to say that we have an incredible community. They all reached out and we found a place for everyone last night, and now we're looking for more permanent residences for those full-time residents to live in the coming months," Bradshaw said.
The City of Ketchum asks that anybody who can offer housing, donations, or would like to make financial contributions to click the links provided below.
- Clothing and essential item donations: Gold Mine Thrift Store.
- Financial donations: Blaine County Charitable Fund.
- For short- or long-term housing accommodations, please contact the City of Ketchum Housing Strategist Carissa Connelly at cconnelly@ketchumidaho.org or (718)200-6055.
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