UPDATE – Fire destroys 9 homes in SE Boise

Nine homes were destroyed by a grass fire that began around 7 p.m. tonight in southeast Boise according to the Boise Police Department. Nine additional homes were damaged and at least 50 were evacuated.

“The winds were really strong, and for a time there we weren’t sure if the fire would spread to entire neighborhoods, because it was so explosive. Homes seemed to literally explode in fire” said Boise State Professor of Photography Larry McNeil who witnessed the beginning of the blaze.

“Our fire departments earned a huge thank you for stopping a potentially worse disaster. They are the best. Our condolences go out to people who lost their houses, that was really awful to witness.”

A Boise State student majoring in Communication who asked not to be identified said, “My house . its ashes, it’s gone. Everything I own is gone.”

He and his brother rented rooms in one of the houses.

They are staying the night with a friend until they can locate a temporary residence.

“A neighbor knocked on the door and told us a fire was headed up the hill towards our house and I just reacted. I went straight to my room and grabbed my computer and I could see the flames engulf the patio right outside my bedroom window. I went back to push my dirt-bike out of the garage and when I was one block away my brothers car exploded. It happened so fast. In a matter of minutes the whole house was ashes.”

“I’m not going to class tomorrow that’s for sure. I’m just going to email my professors and tell them what happened and hope they’ll be cool about it.”

According to a campus notification sent out this evening, Boise State Housing is prepared to offer temporary housing to any students, faculty or staff who have been evacuated due to the incident.

Any Boise State student, faculty or staff in need of assistance should call the Campus Safety Dispatch station at (208) 426-1453.

Arbiter Staff

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