Receiving reports of an explosion and fire in a residence located in Cache Junction, Utah, the Logan City 911 center dispatched a 1st alarm assignment for a working structure fire in Newton's response area. Initial reports to dispatch indicated there were three ocupants in the home.
With no hydrant water supply available in Cache Junction, a Tender Task Force for water supply support was requested. Shortly afterwards a 2nd alarm to the Working Structure Fire was struck, bringing additional engine companies to the scene.
Arriving units found one occupant outside of the home, and another person inside could be heard yelling for help. As EMS prepared the first patient for transport, crews mounted a combined rescue and suppression effort, locating the second person in the rubble and effecting a rescue. Both patients were listed in critial condition.
Suppression and rescue operations continued until the 3rd occupant was located at approximately midnight. Sadly he had perished in the explosion.
Responding to this incident with Newton Fire were crews from Clarkston, Trenton, Smithfield, Lewiston, Richmond, Mendon, Logan City, Franklin County, Idaho and Cache County Search and Rescue, assisting with rescue operations, medical care, fire suppression and water supply. UHP Troopers and Deputies from the Cache County Sheriffs Office provided traffic control as the highway was closed due to the water shuttle operation.
We are so very grateful for the men and women of our neighboring fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies, always answering the call when help is needed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshalls Office.