In brief: Witnesses report fatal boat crash

North Idaho authorities are investigating what preliminary reports indicate could be a fatal boat crash Saturday night near Sandpoint.

No details were available Sunday from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, but dispatch records show deputies responded to a report of boating-related fatal accident under the Long Bridge about 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

KHQ News, citing witnesses, reported the accident left two boaters, a husband and wife, dead and sent a third person to the hospital when their power boat slammed into bridge supports.

Bonner County sheriff’s officials, however, said no further information would be available until a news release is completed.

Wildfire destroys

buildings, vehicles

A wind-whipped wildfire destroyed three buildings, including a home, and several vehicles in Central Washington today.

Firefighters spent several hours bringing the blaze under control and by 6:30 p.m. were able to lift an evacuation order for the McConihe Flats community, about three miles northwest of Moses Lake, according to the Grant County Emergency Management Office. No injuries were reported.

The fire, reported about 4 p.m., charred more than 1,200 acres and at one point threatened about 50 homes, officials said. In addition to a confirmed report of a destroyed home, Emergency Management spokesman Kyle Foreman said there were reports that two other homes had possibly caught fire. Several vehicles and two outbuildings also were damaged or destroyed. Authorities said damage estimates were under way.

Cause of the fire was still under investigation.

Holiday affecting

government, services

Government offices and other services will be affected by the Independence Day holiday.

Banks: Most closed today.

Buses: Bus routes operate on holiday schedule.

Garbage: Collection will be normal this week in Spokane, Kootenai County, and areas served by Waste Management Services. Garbage facilities and transfer stations are open today.

Government: Federal, state, county and city offices in Washington and Idaho are closed today. Spokane County commissioners will not meet Tuesday. Spokane City swimming pools and golf courses are open.

Libraries: Closed today in Spokane, Spokane County and Coeur d’Alene.

Liquor stores: Stores in Washington and Idaho are open today.

Mail: No mail service today.

Parking meters: Free today.