BOISE — Boise Fire officials have determined the source of a deadly fire in south east Boise, but still have not determined the cause.

Officials said they have found the fire's area of origin: a power pole near the corner of Amity and Holcomb down the bench from where the burned homes are.

“We don't know what ignited the pole or the area around it, but that's where it started,” Boise Deputy fire Chief Dave Hanneman said.

The deadly fire, which started Monday evening, claimed the life of one woman, destroyed 10 homes and damaged nine, caused more than 50 home evacuations and displaced hundreds, according to Boise officials. Boise Mayor Dave Bieter today made a declaration of disaster for the city of Boise.

About 400 emergency personnel responded to the scene throughout the course of the fire, and unit from all over the valley, including Nampa and Caldwell, helped respond to the disaster.

Professor dies in tragic fire

Officials have confirmed that a body found in one of the destroyed homes is Boise State University Linguistics professor Mary Ellen Ryder.

Although initially no injuries had been reported several hours into the devastating subdivision fire, firefighters confirmed that eventually they found Ryder's body inside a burnt home in the Columbia Village area of southeast Boise.

Boise Police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower made this statement just before 3 a.m. this morning: "Firefighters have found what appear to be human remains in one of the destroyed homes on Immigrant Pass Court. There had been a report of a woman missing from one of the homes. The Ada County Coroner says it will likely take some time to make a positive identification."

Residents of the upscale neighborhood were evacuated after the brush fire ignited at about 7 p.m. and high winds and scorching temperatures contributed to the nightmarish scene of flames racing over the ridge, jumping the street and spreading from rooftop to rooftop.

Investigation continues

Doan said at least 20 homes were significantly damaged. Ten of those were completely destroyed, burnt "to the ground," he said.

Boise Police, Boise Fire and BLM investigators are still trying to determine what caused the fire. When questioned about whether a power pole knocked down in the storm could have started the fire, officials said they were not able to confirm that.

An isurance agent from Farmer’s Insurance estimated the damage totaled between $5 and $7 million, saying the houses were worth between $300 and $400,000 each.

Early Tuesday morning fire crews were still on scene, "cleaning up and mopping up and making sure there are no more flareups," he said.

Homes destroyed or damaged include homes on both sides of East Sweetwater Drive and homes on East Immigrant Pass Court. More than 50 homes were evacuated, including those along the rim on Aphrodite Court, East Homestead Rim Court, East Trakker Rim Drive, South Sweetgrass Place, South Hay Seed Way, East Lichen Street, South Adonis Way and East Flores Court.

"This has been the most devastating fire we've seen in recent memory," Doan said."Many families have suffered terrific loss from this fire. Our hearts go out to those affected."

In addition to the over 80 fire personnel from multiple agencies, law enforcement officers and paramedic crews were on scene as families rushed to evacuate. The Ada County Humane Society also dispatched two trucks to the scene late last night. The chaotic turn of events forced families to leave behind nearly everything, according to one woman who lost her home to the blaze but was able to rescue her three dogs.

Official: 'Incredibly dangerous'

"Fierce winds made this fire incredibly dangerous and difficult to fight," Doan said. "Our firefighters responded with amazing skill and teamwork and kept this fire from causing even more loss."Doan also praised and thanked the police officers who responded to evacuate the burning neighborhood. In all, 17 police officers were taken to local hospitals, both St. Alphonsus and St. Luke's for treatment of smoke inhalation; 12 Boise Police officers and five officers from the Meridian Police Department. All the officers were trying to help with evacuations when they were overcome by dense smoke that quickly filled the burning neighborhood. As of this time, all but one of the officers have been released. One Boise Police officer is being kept in the hospital overnight for observation. One Boise firefighter was also taken to a local hospital for treatment of a cut on his hand.

The fire was first reported at 7 p.m. at East Amity and Holcomb Road as a grass fire with structures threatened. As the first fire crews arrived winds were gusting up to 50 mph.

Displaced families gathered at Trail Wind Elementary and a nearby LDS Church. Families worked with the church and the local Red Cross to find a place to stay for the night, as most were not allowed back to their homes. At the height of the fire, approximately 41 fire engine companies were on scene. Assistance came from many fire departments throughout the valley including Meridian, North Ada County, BLM, Kuna, Star, Melba, Gem County, Payette County, New Plymouth, Nampa and Caldwell. Boise Fire Department called a general alarm, which means all Boise Fire personnel were called in and assisted with support as needed. Approximately 60 Boise Police officers were on scene at the height of the incident. Meridian Police, Ada County Sheriff, Garden City Police and Idaho State Police assisted Boise Police by taking calls throughout the city as Boise PD focused on public safety at the fire scene.

How can people help?

Those wishing to help those affected by the fire are urged to contribute to the Boise Fire Department Burn Out Fund. Call 590-1437 to make cash donations. Donations can also be dropped off at any Boise fire station. Citizens are also urged to contribute to the local Red Cross who also assisted displaced families during this devastating fire."We've gotten a lot of calls coming in. Right now preferred items are gift cards to Wal-Mart or any of the grocery stores and clothing stores. That way they're just so easy to hand out and the families can get the items they really need," said Charlie Ruffing, chairman of the Boise Firefighter's Local 149 Burnout Fund. "Every little bit helps... right now we're just trying to get a tally on exactly how many families are in need."