Kootenai County Fire & Rescue

08/31/2026

We promoted two very important people last week. Today, we extend congratulations to Assistant Chief, Justin Capaul who was pinned as assistant Chief of Training.

Justin joined KCFR in the year 2000 and has spent 25+ years working through the ranks as a firefighter, engineer, Lieutenant, captain and battalion chief. He’s led our training division since January, and our people are sharper and better prepared because of it. Throughout his career he’s served on countless committees, managed numerous programs and has helped move this district forward. Now he’ll continue that work for the entire district.

Congratulations Chief Capaul. Our people are in good hands.

08/30/2026

Release Date: August 30, 2026
Contact: Fire Chief Pete Holley, Kootenai County Fire & Rescue
Phone / Email: 208-777-8500 [email protected]
Reference Incident #: 26PF31308 (Post Falls Police Department)
RE: Multi-Agency Water Rescue Response on the Spokane River
POST FALLS, IDAHO — On the evening of August 29, 2026

Kootenai County Fire & Rescue
responded to a reported drowning in the Spokane River near Ironhorse Circle in Post Falls. The incident occurred within Kootenai County Fire & Rescue district’s jurisdiction. The Post Falls Police Department is the lead agency for the incident and the ongoing investigation.

KCFR crews arrived to reports of a swimmer who had entered the river and failed to resurface. Command initiated a land and water search using available resources including the Kootenai County Fire & Rescue swift water rescue team. Based on the size of the search area and the conditions on the river, additional water rescue resources were requested through mutual aid.

Agencies responding to and supporting the incident included the Post Falls Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Patrol and Dive Teams, Spokane Valley Fire Department Swift water team, the Spokane Fire Department swift water team and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

The patient was located during the search. Life saving measures were initiated immediately and continued during transport to Kootenai Health. Despite those efforts, the patient was later pronounced deceased.

Additional details regarding the incident and the individual involved will be released by the Post Falls Police Department when and if appropriate.

Kootenai County Fire & Rescue extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. A loss of this kind reaches well beyond the family, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.

“This was a coordinated effort by every agency on scene,” said Fire Chief Pete Holley. “Numerous agencies and three separate water rescue teams operated together on the same river in a seamless
effort. That level of cooperation does not happen by accident. It is the result of relationships and training that our agencies invest in year-round. We are grateful to every responder who assisted, and we are deeply sorry that the outcome was not what any of us worked for.”

Kootenai County Fire & Rescue thanks the Post Falls Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Valley Fire Department, the Spokane Fire Department, dispatch personnel, and every responder who assisted in the search.

Kootenai County Fire & Rescue reminds the public that the Spokane River can present hazardous conditions even when flows below the dam appear low. Current, depth, and water temperature change quickly. Personal flotation devices are strongly recommended for anyone in or near the water.

All questions regarding the incident and the investigation should be directed to the Post Falls Police Department.
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08/24/2026

On April 25, 2025, Gary went into cardiac arrest.

Post Falls Police Department officers arrived first and immediately began CPR, with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue crews arriving shortly after to continue his care.

Today, Gary is here because of the quick actions of those first responders and the strong partnership between our agencies.

Early CPR saves lives. Strong partnerships save lives.

We’re grateful to work alongside PFPD every day to serve our community — and even more grateful when we get to see outcomes like Gary’s. ❤️

08/21/2026

Nothing beats a little fire hose fun on a hot summer day! 💦🚒

Our crews had a great time visiting Camp Ka-Mee-Lin and helping the campers cool off with a good old-fashioned spray down. Judging by the smiles (and how completely soaked everyone was 😂), we’d call it a success!

Thanks for letting us join in the fun! ☀️💦

08/21/2026

In between emergencies and training Engine 12 stopped by a local neighborhood to see if there were any kids that needed cooling off. Luckily there were. So fun!!

08/18/2026

Our neighbors at Northern Lakes Fire District are hiring! Check out the post below for details and information on how to apply.

The Northern Lakes Fire District is seeking community support for a crucial levy initiative designed to maintain and enhance the District’s emergency response capabilities.

08/04/2026

Come see us tonight, bring the kids!

08/02/2026

07/29/2026

KCFR units responded to a report of a vehicle fire on Fernan Lake Road, just before the Fernan Saddle. Engine 14 arrived on scene and extinguished the vehicle fire, which was caused by a mechanical issue and had extended to a 20x40 brush fire.

Units from Coeur d’Alene Fire, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and the US Forest Service also responded to assist.

Thank you to our partner agencies for their quick response and support.