*Photo by The Electric
Great Falls Fire Rescue responded to two structure fires within a new hours of each other on Jan. 21.
There were no injuries resulting from either fire.
Crews were on their way to training Wednesday afternoon, the battalion chief told The Electric, when the first call came in around 1:45 p.m. for a structure fire at Howard’s Pizza, 711 1st Ave. N.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed moderate dark smoke coming from the roof area and roof vent.
Crews made entry for a primary search and found the fire primarily in the kitchen area, near the ceiling, with fire extending into the roof, according to GFFR.
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The fire was under control within about eight minutes of arrival, according to GFFR, but crews remained on scene for awhile to check for any fire spread in the roof.
Northwestern Energy responded to shut off gas and electrical service.
The fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen and roof area, with heat and smoke impacting much of the Howard’s Pizza interior, according to GFFR.
Stein Haus had minimal smoke damage next door.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation but appears to be accidental in nature, according to GFFR.
Both Howard’s and the Stein were closed for the remainder of the day, but the Stein was planning to reopen on Jan. 22. Howard’s will remain closed until further notice.
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A single engine callback was initiated during the Howard’s Pizza response and a mutual aid request was made to Malmstrom Air Force Base and Montana Air National Guard fire departments to backfill two GFFR stations.
A second structure fire was called in about 4:04 p.m. Jan. 21 at 3010 11th Ave. S.
D-Platoon again responded and found smoke coming from an apartment complex.
Upon entry, firefighters found a bed on fire inside a first-floor apartment.
The fire was contained within minutes of GFFR’s arrival and crews checked for fire spread on the second and third floors, then ventilated all three levels and apartments.
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The fire didn’t spread beyond the bedroom and damage was limited to the contents involved, with minor smoke and flame damage in the apartment.
The occupants of the affected apartment were advised to stay at an alternate location. All other residents were able to safely return to their homes and utilities remained on. Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.
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A call back and mutual aid weren’t required since the single-engine callback from the first fire remained staffed and available, according to GFFR.
“GFFR commends the rapid response and coordinated efforts of D-Shift’s crews, supporting personnel and our mutual aid partners. These incidents highlight the importance of working smoke alarms, quick reporting of fires, and maintaining clear escape paths within homes and businesses,” GFFR said in a release. “Community members are encouraged to regularly test smoke alarms, practice escape plans, and report any signs of fire immediately by calling 911.”
