A major structural fire Saturday night at the Limelight Condominiums in Ketchum destroyed 26 units in the two-story building, the City of Ketchum reported Sunday.
The fire started around 6:30 p.m. in the upper “A” building of the condominium complex at 2107 Warm Springs Road, between Central Ketchum and the Warm Springs base of Bald Mountain. Firefighters searched for people inside the building before attacking the blaze, the city said in a news release.
There were no human casualties, the city reported. Some pets were reportedly lost in the fire.
The Ketchum Fire Department received the call at 6:36 p.m. and was on the scene within four minutes, the city said. Sun Valley, Wood River and Hailey Fire Departments also responded to the call.
Crews battled the fire and worked to keep it from spreading to other buildings for several hours, finally containing it around 4 a.m., the city said. Firefighters continued to work to extinguish hot spots on Sunday morning.
“I am grateful to all of the crews who responded valley-wide,” Ketchum Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin said. “This kind of collaboration is essential when fighting a fire of this magnitude.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, the city said. City officials said the fire was suspected to have been caused by a grill propane tank, but that has not been confirmed. A State Fire Inspector will attend the scene to investigate and make a final decision.
The city is working to connect people who have lost their homes with housing offered by community members, city officials said. Short and long-term housing is provided by the city’s housing specialist, Carissa Connelly.
Representatives from the American Red Cross in Idaho Falls arrived Sunday to set up a service station at the Ketchum Fire Station at 107 Saddle Road, adjacent to the YMCA. The aid organization will provide packages of essential items, immediate financial assistance and help with refilling prescriptions, glasses and other lost necessities, the city said.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost their homes and some who may have lost their pets,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “This community is coming together once again, and I thank them for the support we’ve received so far, whether it’s providing temporary shelter, clothing or financial assistance.
People who can help with housing, donations of clothing and essential items, or who wish to make a financial contribution can use these contacts:
- For short or long-term housing, contact Ketchum Housing Strategist Carissa Connelly at cconnelly@ketchumidaho.org or 718-200-6055.
- Donations of clothing and essentials can be made at Gold Mine Thrift Store, 331 Walnut Ave. N. in Ketchum, or 208-726-3465.
- Financial donations can be made to the Blaine County Charitable Fund at https://www.blainecf.org/.
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