Relief efforts begin to help fire victims

As local residents continue to assess the damage from Monday's range fire, efforts continue locally to provide relief to those hit hardest by the blaze.

The fire started near Airbase Road along Equine and Contrail roads Monday evening with high winds pushing the flames toward the southeast. Between 12 to 15 buildings were reportedly destroyed with others sustaining damage during the fire, which was contained near Smith Road.

Of the six homes impacted by this week's fire, three were occupied, according to Sue Robinson from the American Red Cross agency in Boise. Emergency services teams with the Red Cross are in Mountain Home this week to provide help to one of these families.

A second family declined help with the third currently out of state, Robinson said.

Robin and Wayne Kruckeberg, who own the Paws & Claws pet care center on Airbase Road, were among the local business owners organizing a series of benefits to help those affected by the blaze. They are currently accepting cash donations as well as household items, including furniture, at their business at 4550 Airbase Road.

"Everybody lost a lot. It was terrible," Robin Kruckeberg said. The family of one of their employees was among those who lost their homes in the blaze.

A car wash to raise money for the fire victims will run from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Family Dental Care center at 925 West Airbase Road.

Meanwhile, a motorcycle ride will start at 11 a.m. Sunday at The Edge bar, located at 835 South 3rd West Street in Mountain Home. Hosted by The Edge, Paws & Claws and the D-Rail Bar in Glenns Ferry, the cost to join the ride is $20 per bike. A potluck lunch is also planned at The Edge as part of the fundraiser.

In addition, the Mountain Home Fire Department will provide financial help to affected residents through its burnout fund.

For more information on the local fundraisers, call Paws & Claws at 587-0809 or The Edge at 587-5621. To make donations to the American Red Cross, people can call the Boise office at 947-4357 or go online to www.redcrossidaho.org. To contribute to the fire department burnout fund, call the station at 587-2117.