Fire Destroys Caldwell Home of Idaho State Representative Kent Marmon; Family Escapes Safely
CALDWELL, Idaho — A residential structure fire late Monday evening destroyed the Caldwell home of Idaho State Representative Kent Marmon, a Republican legislator representing District 11, leaving the residence uninhabitable and claiming the lives of the family’s two cats. Marmon and his family, along with their dog, escaped uninjured as Caldwell fire crews and multiple mutual aid agencies responded to the blaze near the College of Idaho’s Marty Holly Athletic Center.
Fire Breaks Out Near Outdoor Kitchen
Caldwell fire crews were dispatched to the scene at approximately 9:50 p.m. Monday after fire broke out at the rear of the home. According to Marmon, he and his family were inside watching television when they heard glass breaking in a nearby bathroom. When they went to investigate, flames were already spreading along the south side of the home and heavy smoke had begun filling portions of the house.
Marmon said they believe the fire originated beneath a small refrigerator in an outdoor kitchen. From there, the flames spread through nearby cabinets, into a patio cover, and then along the wooden exterior of the home before reaching the attic. The family was able to exit the residence immediately with their dog, though their two cats did not survive.
Fire officials confirmed that everyone inside the home was evacuated and that no injuries were reported among occupants or neighboring residents. As a precaution, emergency crews also evacuated nearby homes during the incident. Firefighters monitored a neighboring structure belonging to a family member of Marmon after flames spread through nearby vegetation, but the fire did not reach that property.
Large Multi-Agency Response in Canyon County
Marmon estimated approximately ten fire units responded to the scene — a large deployment that reflected the severity of the blaze. Multiple agencies provided mutual aid, including the Middleton Star Fire District, Nampa Fire District, Canyon County Paramedics, Caldwell Police Department, and Idaho Power. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 3:30 a.m., with cleanup crews securing the home in the hours that followed.
Despite the destruction, Marmon praised the response of first responders, noting that firefighters were able to retrieve several personal belongings from the home — including medications, identification, and electronics — while also providing support to his family throughout the incident. Canyon County residents looking for more on fire preparedness and local fire department resources can also read about Nampa Fire’s newest ladder truck addition to its fleet, which expands firefighting capacity across the Treasure Valley.
The Monday night fire was not the only emergency Caldwell Fire battled that evening. Just one hour earlier, Caldwell crews had provided mutual aid to the Nyssa Fire Department for a separate three-alarm commercial structure fire on Commercial Avenue in Nyssa, Oregon — a demanding back-to-back call for local firefighters.
Community Rallies Around the Marmon Family
As crews worked the scene late into the night, neighbors and College of Idaho students gathered to offer support, bringing blankets, clothing, and other essentials to the Marmon family. The response drew praise from the representative himself.
“The outpouring of support and prayers from our friends and neighbors here in Caldwell is heartwarming and sincerely appreciated,” Marmon said in a statement. “We’ve been getting messages and calls from all over Idaho. Everyone’s concern, thoughts and prayers are so appreciated. We are alright. We got out unscathed, and that’s truly a blessing. We will be staying at my mom’s house as we work through this.”
Marmon, who is currently seeking re-election in the 2026 Republican primary for District 11, confirmed to reporters that the home involved was his, as also reflected in Canyon County public records.
What Comes Next
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire officials. The residence has been deemed uninhabitable, and the Marmon family is temporarily staying with family as they assess next steps. Idaho News 6 is continuing to follow developments in the story.
For broader statewide news coverage affecting Idaho families, visit Idaho News. Canyon County residents are encouraged to follow local emergency preparedness resources and stay informed through community channels as fire investigation details become available.