November 1, 2024
News release prepared by:
Battalion Chief Michael Bowman
At approximately 0215 on November 1st, Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD) was dispatched to the old Lolo School at 11395 Highway 93 South for a reported structure fire.
Within five minutes of dispatch, MRFD’s first engine arrived on the scene with law enforcement officers. The first arriving engine company’s investigation identified smoke coming from two separate buildings. A fire was located inside one building that was quickly extinguished. It was determined there was no fire in the second building; only smoke that had migrated from the first. Crews searched the remaining structures on campus and did not discover any additional fire activity. Time was spent exhausting the smoke from both effected buildings.
MRFD responded to this incident with three engines, one ladder truck, and two command units. Mutual-aid assistance was provided by the Missoula City Fire Department by way of one engine and the Florence Volunteer Fire Department with a water tender. The Missoula County Sheriff’s office and the Montana Highway Patrol provided a law enforcement presence and Missoula Emergency Services, Inc responded with one ambulance. In total, eighteen firefighters were on the scene for approximately two hours. No injuries were sustained by firefighters nor members of the public.
The cause of the fire appears to have been intentional. Fire investigators from MRFD are working closely with detectives from the Missoula County Sherrif’s office. Any individuals with information that might be beneficial to investigators are encouraged to contact the Missoula County Sheriff’s office at (406) 258-4810.
MRFD would like to thank all mutual-aid partners for their assistance.
###
For additional information regarding this news release, please contact MRFD at 406-549-6172.