March 14, 2024
News release prepared by:
Battalion Chief Michael Bowman
At approximately 6:09 pm on March 14, 2024, The Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD) was dispatched to River Bend Drive in the Bonner area for a reported structure fire with active fire on the roof of a residence.
The first arriving engine reported a small two-story residential structure with active burning on the roof. The fire was burning around a wood stove chimney pipe. Within ten minutes of arrival, the initial engine company knocked the fire out. All occupants of the residence had evacuated prior to MRFD units arriving. Crews remained on the scene for a couple of hours making sure the fire had been completely extinguished and not spread into the walls and attic spaces.
MRFD responded with two engines, one ladder truck, three water tenders, one command unit and one support unit. MRFD was assisted at the scene by an engine from East Missoula Fire. Some assistance at the scene was also provided by Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Missoula Emergency Services Inc, (MESI). A total of nineteen firefighters arrived at the scene. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The fire originated adjacent to a chimney pipe, but the exact cause is not determined at this time. The fire is being investigated by fire investigators on the scene. Most of the fire damage was on the exterior of the residence, but there was some fire and smoke damage inside of the home. Damage is estimated at $25,000.00 with $175,000.00 in property saved.
While this fire was detected by people outside of the residence, MRFD encourages all homeowners to utilize and install smoke detectors. MRFD also advises people to change batteries in their detectors at least twice per year.
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For additional information on this incident or fire safety, please contact MRFD at 406-549-6172.