Both the Missoula City and Missoula Rural Fire Departments responded to a structure fire that was reported to 9-1-1 at about 4:30 a.m. Friday, December 20, at Sparr's Towing, at West Central and Johnson Streets.

Missoula City Fire Battalion Chief Kip Knapstad said crews found heavy smoke coming out of a shop area at the business.

"We had heavy smoke, not so much fire, but heavy smoke coming out of the building," Knapstad said. "We opened up the doors and found a lot of smoke inside, so we got up on the roof and vented the fire. It took us a little while to actually find the source of the fire, but we were able to get things under control in about 45 minutes."

Knapstad said finding the cause of the fire will take some time.

"Fire investigators are on scene right now, and we're not sure what caused the fire," Knapstad said. "No one was in the building at the time, so no one was injured, and no firefighters were injured while fighting the fire. Fire personnel are looking for any extensions to the fire at this time."

No damage estimate was available, but the interior of the shop area showed heavy smoke, water and firefighting foam damage.

Missoula City Fire Battalion Chief Kip Knapstad

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