Fire destroys home, kills pets

Two North Idaho adults and three children were being assisted by the Red Cross after a fire destroyed their rented mobile home and killed several pets Thursday.

A neighbor called 911 about 8:15 a.m. after seeing smoke coming from the home at 807 S. Ruby Road, according to Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Fire crews found the home, located south of the Spokane River between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, engulfed in flames. But they saw at least two cats leaving safely, according to a news release.

Homeowner Dave Barton, who does not live at the residence, said he had insurance but wasn’t sure if it covered the building, its contents or both, the news release said.

The family was preparing to move into a newer manufactured home that was on the property and wasn’t harmed, the fire department said.