Just before noon on Monday, Missoula Rural Fire responded to a fire that involved a shed, trees and grass just a short distance away from a residence on Flora Lane, off of Big Flat Road.

Assistant Fire Chief Brent Christofferson said the source of the fire was easy to spot.

“There was thick black smoke that was spotted by our responding units before they got there, and that indicates obviously that a working fire is present,” said Christofferson. “Upon arrival we did find a shed fully involved with fire right behind the house and grass and trees were on fire, as well.”

Christofferson said the woman in the home was asleep at the time.

“The occupant of the home was taking a nap with her little boy,” he said. “After some of the neighbors pounded on the door, she awoke and took the child to a neighbor’s home, and she and her little boy are doing OK. The granddaughter was house sitting for her grandparents when this all happened.”

Christofferson said the fire was threatening the home.

“We were able to stop the fire from progressing to the main house and we appreciate all the help from neighbors near the house,” he said. “Frenchtown Fire assisted us, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and Missoula Emergency Services were all on scene.”

Christofferson detailed the MRFD’s response.

“Missoula Rural Fire responded with two command officers, a structure engine, several water tenders and a wildland engine,” he said. “We were on scene most of the day trying to determine the cause of the fire and we’ll provide an update when we know more.”

Christofferson said no firefighters of civilians were injured due to the fire, which remains under investigation.

 

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