Investigators with the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office have determined that the March 15 fire that destroyed The River Church and the adjacent River Tech School of Performing Arts and Technology in Post Falls was caused by a deteriorated natural gas regulator and meter, ruling the blaze accidental after initially treating it as a potential arson investigation. The determination brings some measure of closure to the Post Falls community, which rallied around the church and school families in the days following the devastating fire.
The fire broke out around 3 AM on a Saturday morning when the building was unoccupied, a timing that likely prevented injuries or fatalities. Post Falls Fire Department crews arrived within four minutes to find the 12,000-square-foot structure fully engulfed. Despite a multi-agency response that included crews from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, the building was a total loss.
What the Investigation Found
State Fire Marshal investigators spent 10 days examining the scene, collecting physical evidence, reviewing surveillance footage from neighboring properties, and consulting with Avista Utilities engineers regarding the building’s gas service equipment. Their investigation concluded that a deteriorated pressure regulator on the building’s natural gas meter failed, allowing unregulated gas flow into the structure. The accumulated gas was ignited by an unknown ignition source, likely an electrical appliance or pilot light.
“The physical evidence is consistent with a gas-fueled fire originating at the meter and regulator location on the building’s exterior,” State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl said in a statement. “There is no evidence of accelerant use, forced entry, or any other indication of intentional fire-setting.”
Avista Utilities said it has since inspected natural gas regulators at similar commercial properties in the Post Falls area and has accelerated its preventive maintenance schedule for regulators serving older commercial buildings.
Impact on the Community
The fire displaced The River Church’s congregation of approximately 300 members and the River Tech school’s 85 students and staff. Founder Dan Hegeland and his family have been working to find temporary facilities for both organizations. Several Post Falls churches offered meeting space for Sunday services, and the Post Falls School District made classroom space available for River Tech students.
A GoFundMe campaign launched after the fire has raised over $180,000, and local businesses have donated supplies, equipment, and professional services to support the rebuilding effort. The Post Falls community’s response has been described by city officials as “extraordinary” in its speed and generosity.
“This building can be replaced, but the outpouring of love and support from our Post Falls neighbors — that’s what defines this community,” Hegeland told supporters at a gathering held at a local park the weekend after the fire.
What Comes Next
Insurance adjusters are assessing the property damage, which is estimated at $2.5 million including the building, equipment, and contents. The church and school plan to rebuild on the same site, though the timeline will depend on insurance resolution and permitting. Community members who wish to support the rebuilding effort can contribute through the GoFundMe campaign or contact The River Church directly through its Facebook page. Residents concerned about natural gas safety at their own properties can request a free inspection from Avista Utilities at 1-800-227-9187.