Missoula Crews Battle Basement Fire on Higgins Avenue
The City of Missoula Fire Department informed us of a structure fire on Higgins Avenue on Tuesday, May 5.
Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke showing from the rear of the structure. Engine 121 forced entry through the front door and initiated an interior fire attack and primary search. Crews encountered heavy smoke conditions down to approximately two feet off the floor with minimal heat - Missoula Fire Department press release.
There were no occupants inside the structure at the time of arrival, and fortunately, no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported at the time of the press release.
The fire took place at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in Missoula.
The structure is located at 1834 Higgins Avenue near Kensington and Woodworth avenues.
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"The primary search was conducted under challenging conditions due to excessive clutter throughout the structure. Upon completion of the initial
search no occupants or visible fire were located on the main floor," said City of Missoula Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Kroll.
The fire was located "in a closed-off basement room with limited access and visibility."
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Assisting Engine 121 were Engine 119 (assigned as the Rapid Intervention Crew), Engine 111 (established the water supply), Engine 148 (assisted with ventilation), and Engine 131 (managed utilities and provided more ventilation assistance).
"A fire investigator responded to the scene and is working in coordination with law enforcement to determine the cause of the fire and at this time, it remains under investigation."
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