The River Tech School of Performing Arts and Technology and The River Church in Post Falls were destroyed by fire in March 2026, devastating a community institution but drawing an immediate outpouring of support from neighbors and local organizations.

Founder Dan Hegeland and his family began working to find temporary facilities for students and staff within days of the fire. The community response was swift, with local businesses and individuals offering space, resources, and donations.

Students and staff at River Tech were already planning for their future, demonstrating the resilience that characterizes Post Falls and the broader North Idaho community.

The fire was one of the most significant structural losses in Post Falls in recent years. The school had served students in performing arts and technology education, filling a niche in Kootenai County’s educational landscape.