At approximately 2:00 p.m. on September 26, 2017, the Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and flames in the backyard of a residential property located at the 1900 block of John Adams Parkway in Idaho Falls.  

Upon arrival, crews found a small grass fire near a canal bank that then extended to three sections of a vinyl fencing.  Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly and prevent further damage to surrounding structures.

Idaho Falls Power also responded to the fire, as the fire was reportedly due to an issue with a power pole. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a squirrel caused a short in the system, dropping melted wire to the ground, which then ignited the dry grass.

Idaho Falls Power reported 29 people were without power.  Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

The approximate cost of the damage to the fencing is $700-800. 

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