Missoula Rural Fire Fights Blaze on Mount Avenue – Pet Killed

Missoula Rural Fire crews were dispatched to a structure fire on Thursday morning in the 3800 block of Mount Avenue.

Chief Chris Newman described the response to the blaze.

“Neighbors had called in to say the house had flames coming out of the front windows,” said Chief Newman. “We had units on the scene in about five to six minutes. The first units to arrive did find smoke and flames coming out of the front windows of the house. A Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputy was on scene and was able to release of couple of dogs out of the back yard to get them out of danger.”

Newman said his crews then entered the home.

“Our crews went to work and made an aggressive quick attack and were able to hold the fire damage to just the kitchen area,” he said. “There were no injuries to any firefighters or civilians, but unfortunately a pet ferret did perish in the fire, most likely from smoke inhalation because there was smoke damage throughout the house.”

17 firefighters manning 3 engines, 2 water tenders, a ladder truck and 2 command vehicles responded to the blaze.

MRFD received aid from Missoula Fire Department along with Missoula Emergency Services, Missoula County Deputies and Northwestern Energy.

Newman said fire investigators have been at the home all day looking for the cause of the fire and will report an estimate if the damage later in the evening.