Fire Races Through Home Neighbor Saves Dog As Flames Destroy Most Of The Family’s Possessions

A family of four escaped injury but lost all its belongings in a rural Kootenai County house fire Sunday afternoon.

No one was home when neighbor Penny Hume looked out her window and saw Patti Glaspie’s residence engulfed in flames 50 yards away.

When Hume ran outside, she could hear the family’s dog yelping. She was able to unchain Tinkerbell from a doghouse near the burning home and take the animal to safety.

The Glaspies’ house was too far gone by the time firefighters and the Glaspies arrived.

“We didn’t have a chance to do anything,” said a stunned Patti Glaspie while waiting at a neighbor’s home.

Glaspie had lived in the small house for seven years with her two young sons, Nathan and Harry Hays. She married Ken Glaspie in October, and the two were buying and selling horses from the timbered property just outside Bayview at 15755 E. Perimeter Road.

Nathan, 14, and Harry, 8, had packed a change of clothes and were spending a few days out of town with their father.

“Their whole Christmas was in there,” Ken Glaspie said. “All we’ve got is what we are wearing.”

Weeks before, the family had purchased half a side of beef to add to its winter freezer cache. The beef and venison from a deer Ken had shot all were destroyed, along with the family’s clothing, toys and personal belongings. Their 12 horses and the barn holding 20 tons of hay were spared, however.

Even though firefighters arrived too late to save the home, they wouldn’t have had much luck given the steep, curving driveway, volunteers at the site said.

Two trucks, including a water tanker, became mired in wet snow and mud at the bottom of narrow, tree-lined 10 percent grade. Poor access is one of the most common problems firefighters face when battling rural fires, volunteers said.

“It was a total loss,” Bayview Fire Department Chief Lloyd Pierce said.

Pierce said the cause of the fire won’t be known immediately.

The family’s Christmas tree sat untouched outside the burning home. It had been taken down and set outside the day after Christmas. Bikes, tools and a few toys remained scattered about the yard.

The Glaspies were insured and said they hope to rebuild. In the meantime, they will try to continue caring for their horses while staying in a motel.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color Photos

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: How to help Anyone who wants to donate clothing, toys or household appliances to the Glaspie family may call Athol City Hall or the Harvey and Marcie Richman residence at 683-2732. Nathan, 14, wears size 14 jeans and large size in children’s shirts. Harry, 8, wears size 6 in jeans and medium-size boys’ shirts.