Boise firefighters returned to their firehouse after responding to a call, only to see it up in flames Christmas Eve. Investigations concluded that the fire was started by Tater Tots left frying on the stovetop.

The potatoes were apparently frying on a pan that overheated, melting the pan and then setting some cabinets on fire, according to Assistant Fire Chief Dave Hanneman.

The firefighters are trying to determine why a computerized system set to automatically switch off appliances when firefighters get a call failed to activate.

"That system allows firefighters to literally drop whatever they are doing to respond to a call," explained Hanneman.

The system is activated when firefighters notify dispatchers if they will be in or out of the building. According to Hannerman, the firemen could not remember if they notified the dispatchers of their call, and that they will be out of the building.

"We are still trying to determine what happened," the Idaho Statesman quoted Hannerman.

There were no reported injures caused by the fire.