Firefighters quickly squashed a 6-acre fire that threatened homes south of Kalispell on Thursday.
Crews from several agencies responded to the blaze off Shelter Ridge Road. An initial investigation found the fire grew from a debris pile that was burning and escaped into open grass, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
The fire expanded to 6 acres and approached nearby residences, but several responding engines were able to suppress the blaze.
The responding crews were from the DNRC, the South Kalispell Volunteer Fire Department, Somers, West Valley, Evergreen and Smith Valley.
Fire managers are reminding residents to keep a close eye on debris burns during opening burning season.
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