A Pocatello family was displaced Friday after a fire broke out at their home on Hemlock Street and spread through much of the structure, though all occupants escaped without injury.
The Pocatello Fire Department responded to the residence at 746 Hemlock St. — located near Lewis & Clark Elementary School on the city’s north side — at approximately 1:30 p.m. Crews arrived to find the home sustaining extensive damage.
Fire Starts on Deck, Spreads Inside
Investigators determined the fire originated on the home’s deck before spreading into the kitchen, bathroom, and attic. The combination of structural areas affected left the residence uninhabitable, forcing the family to seek shelter elsewhere.
Despite the rapid spread of the fire, all occupants were able to evacuate safely. No injuries were reported among residents or responding firefighters.
Department Working to Connect Family With Resources
The Pocatello Fire Department said crews have been working alongside the displaced family to connect them with available resources and support as they begin to assess the damage and their next steps.
The cause of the fire had not been officially confirmed in early reports, though investigators noted the blaze began on the deck of the home.
Residential fires that displace families are among the most immediate public safety concerns for communities across Southeast Idaho, particularly when they occur in established residential neighborhoods close to schools and other community facilities. Residents are encouraged to ensure working smoke detectors are installed on every level of their home and to have a family evacuation plan in place.
For other recent public safety news from the Bannock County area, including a dirt bike crash on Scout Mountain that required a teen to be airlifted to Portneuf Medical Center, visit Bannock County News.
What Comes Next
The family will work with fire department personnel and community support organizations to secure temporary housing and determine the extent of repairs needed at the Hemlock Street property. No timeline for restoration of the home has been announced. The Pocatello Fire Department has not released a final determination of the fire’s cause as of this report. Bannock County News will update this story as additional information becomes available.