~ Residents of an apartment complex in Idaho Falls were able to evacuate safely after a fire broke out in one of the units earlier this afternoon.

The call came into the Idaho Falls/Bonneville County Dispatch Center at 1:10 p.m., with the reporting party informing the emergency communications officer that smoke was billowing from an apartment below them. The Idaho Falls Fire Department responded with three engines, two ambulances, one ladder truck and a battalion chief to the 1400 block of Benton Street. The Idaho Falls Police Department also responded to help block the roadway and provide room for firefighters to work.

Upon arrival, firefighters reported that there was no smoke or flames seen from outside of the six-unit apartment building. However, when they entered the main entrance into the common space, they noted light smoke and upon entering a basement apartment, they noted heavy smoke and flames coming from the kitchen. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, keeping it confined to the kitchen and had complete knock down within about 20 minutes of being dispatched.

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The Chaplains of Idaho were dispatched to help provide residents with any immediate needs while power was shut off to the apartment where the fire originated by Idaho Falls Power and Intermountain Gas. The two adults who lived in that unit were not home at the time of fire and were able to find temporary shelter with family members.

The estimated amount of damages is unknown at this time but there was fire damage to the kitchen where it originated as well as heavy smoke damage throughout that apartment and light smoke damage throughout rest of complex.

The fire is under investigation by IFFD's Fire Prevention and Investigation Division while residents are reminded to sign up for emergency alerts and other notifications by clicking HERE as well as how to make a fire escape plan in case such an incident occurs again in future.

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