At approximately 2:45 p.m., January 18th, 2024, the Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at Reed’s Dairy, located at 2660 W Broadway. On arrival, firefighters observed visible flames and heavy smoke coming from the attic of a building to the east of Reed’s Dairy storefront.
The structure was identified by the business owner as the production building. Information provided by the owner included that all employees had evacuated, were accounted for and uninjured, and that there were no animals in the structure.
Defensive approach
It was decided that it was unsafe for firefighters to continue to attempt to fight the fire from inside
Initial arriving fire personnel attempted to extinguish the fire, fighting it from multiple sides and the interior but were met with high heat and heavy fire. Due to the advanced condition of the fire, it was decided that it was unsafe for firefighters to continue to attempt to fight the fire from inside the structure.
Firefighters shifted to a defensive approach, working to extinguish the fire from outside the structure and focusing on keeping it from moving to any nearby structures.
Surrounding structures
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the production building. The fire was considered extinguished around 4:30 p.m., with firefighters remaining on the scene for several hours afterward. The majority of apparatus and personnel left the scene between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. An engine and crew of firefighters remained to monitor the structure for any hot spots that could possibly reignite. Around 8:15 p.m., a lingering hot spot was located. A ladder truck responded back to the scene to extinguish the hotspot. Idaho Falls Fire cleared the scene at 9:20 p.m.
During the fire, the roof of the building collapsed. The structure sustained significant damage throughout and is considered a complete loss. Initial estimates of the monetary value of the structure, equipment and other contents are in the multi-million-dollar range. There was no fire damage to surrounding structures, however one of the surrounding structures did sustain some water damage.
Chaplains of Idaho
A total of nine fire apparatus responded including five engines, three ambulances, and one ladder truck
“For many people, Reed’s Dairy is a community icon,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Duane Nelson. “Our firefighters felt the support of our community on scene today. We know we are not alone in saying our thoughts are with the Reed family as they process the loss of this structure and plan their path forward.”
There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. A total of nine fire apparatus responded including five engines, three ambulances, and one ladder truck. A deputy chief, division chief, battalion chief, and two fire investigators responded as well. The Chaplains of Idaho responded to provide support to fire personnel and those affected by the fire.
Idaho Falls Fire Investigators
The Idaho Falls Police Department assisted with road closures around the incident to protect the public and allow firefighters the space necessary to respond. Sections of Broadway were closed from Bellin Road to the west of the dairy throughout the response.
All roadways are currently open for normal traffic. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Idaho Falls Fire Investigators.