Hot ashes from a wood stove caused a garage fire in Hayden this morning. 

The Northern Lakes Fire District knocked down the fire before it could spread into the living quarters of the home on the 600 block of Opal.  The man who lives there got out safely.  His wife and two kids weren't home at the time. Investigators say hot ashes dumped outside the garage started the fire. 

They encourage everyone to take extra precautions as they heat their homes this winter.  They say ashes should be put into non-flammable, metal containers and stored away from the house.  They also recommend dousing ashes with water to ensure they don't flare up again.

A 33-year-old woman pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony Tuesday at U.S. District Court in Coeur d'Alene.

Twyla Basil said, in a plea agreement, that she acted as a lookout for people who went into a home and stole guns.

The case was investigated by the FBI because the crime occurred on tribal land and both Basil and the victim are part of the Kootenai Tribe.

The charge carries a maximum punishment of a $250,000 fine and up to three years in prison.  Basil could also face one year of supervised release after any jail time.

Basil's sentencing is scheduled for January 31st at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

If there's one thing a media outlet can't resist, it's a flash mob of Thriller. Here's a local version done by North Idaho College's Drama Department performing the Michael Jackson classic.

Video Courtesy: North Idaho College