FRUITLAND, Idaho — A house fire early Monday morning caused significant damage to a home and a church in Fruitland, leading to the collapse of the church's roof supports and rendering both structures unsafe, fire officials said.
Multiple fire departments, including units from Fruitland, Payette, Weiser, Ontario, New Plymouth, and Sand Hollow, responded to the blaze, according to the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office.
Investigators determined the fire originated from a "failed relocatable power tap" where a space heater was plugged in. The electrical device malfunctioned, quickly spreading flames to the residence and then extending to the Church of Christ building next door.
The Red Cross is assisting the home's occupants with immediate needs.
The Fire Marshal's Office also issued a warning for residents as temperatures drop: Space heaters should always be plugged directly into wall outlets. The use of extension cords or power strips with space heaters is strongly discouraged.
More information will be added to this story as it becomes available.