Cardiff gas station explosion still under investigation
Friday September 13, 2024Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
julie.robinson@doi.idaho.gov
BOISE, ID (September 13, 2024) – Investigators from the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office continue to sift through the debris of the fire and explosion that occurred in Cardiff on Wednesday afternoon. The focus Thursday morning was the difficult task of locating any victims. Unfortunately, two victims were located and turned over to the custody of the Clearwater County Coroner’s Office. They will be making positive identification and notification to family. The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers its heartfelt condolences to the family of these two victims and hopes for a speedy recovery to the others injured in this devastating incident.
The amount of fuel distributed around the scene from the explosion has proven to be an additional obstacle for investigators. The Region II Hazard Materials Response Team was called and assisted with the control of this hazard. An investigation team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will assist with the overall investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire.
“It is still way too early to even speculate the cause of this tragic event,” said Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl. “Piecing together the events leading up to the explosion and fire could take several weeks. We must be methodical and thorough.”
The State Fire Marshal is grateful for the assistance received by the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Transportation Department, ATF, Region II Haz Mat Team, OSHA and the NTSB. “This is an evolving, time-consuming, and complex investigation. Collaboration and cooperation with everyone involved in this investigation is paramount. We ask for patience while we piece together the events leading up to incident,” said Sandahl.
###
About the Department of Insurance
The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov or email us at consumeraffairs@doi.idaho.gov.
About the State Fire Marshal’s Office
The State Fire Marshal’s Office participates in and coordinates an integrated statewide system designed to protect human life from fire and explosions through fire prevention, investigation and public education activities. The program involves fire prevention activities, fire/arson investigation, code enforcement and the operation of the National Fire Incident Reporting System. The State Fire Marshal’s Office provides assistance to local fire agencies throughout the state.