Fire that badly damaged Ridgefield house probed

The cause of a fire that badly damaged a Ridgefield house on Friday is still under investigation.

Crews with Clark County Fire & Rescue arrived at 764 N. 32nd Court just after 7:20 p.m. Friday and found a home in flames. More than 20 firefighters, including ones from CCFR, Fire District 6 and Fire District 3, responded.

Damage to the home was estimated at $200,000. Two dogs died in the blaze but no people were injured.

The fire marshal is trying to figure out how to stabilize the building so they can continue the investigation, said Battalion Chief Tim Dawdy, Clark County Fire & Rescue spokesman.

The roof caved in like a “V” but the walls are still standing. It’s like “pickup sticks,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ridgefield community came together to donate clothing, kitchen items and money for Julie and Marty Atkeson, the couple displaced by the fire, said Kathy Winters, Ridgefield artist and community member.

Winters asked for donations through a Ridgefield email newsletter Sunday afternoon and said she couldn’t believe the response.

A fund was set up at First Independent in their name. People can donate at any branch location to the Atkeson Family Fund.