Updated 6:25 p.m. with Kootenai County Sheriff's request for help in solving case.

WINTERSPORTS -- A popular snowmobile warming hut in the Coeur d'Alene River area reportedly has burned down for the second time in four years.

Although there's been no official report yet by the Idaho Pandhandle National Forests, Kootenai County snowmobilers are buzzing with the news that the Skitwish Warming Hut has burned down just days after Coeur d'Alene Snowmobile Club volunteers had stocked it with firewood for the season.

The hut is located south of Honeysuckle Campground in the saddle below Skitwish Peak.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office dispatch confirmed today that officers are investigating the case.

At 6 p.m. the sheriff's office posted this release:

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding a suspicious fire.   
 
The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious fire that completely destroyed the Skitwish warming hut off Forest Service Rd 202 near Marie Saddle.  The fire occurred sometime between November 19th 6:30pm and November 22nd 12:30pm.  
 
During this time frame a red or maroon 1990’s Ford Ranger, or similar type pickup, was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed occupied by two people.  The vehicle was also observed driving around a secured gate in the Wolf Lodge area.   
 
Those who have any information regarding this incident are urged to contact Sgt. Will Klinkefus by email: wklinkefus@kcgov.us or by telephone at (208) 446-1300.

The shelter also burned in suspicious circumstances in December 2012. It was rebuilt with the help of volunteers and a grant through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.