A roof fire at a downtown Kalispell restaurant this week was caused by improper handling of exposed electrical wiring, according to the Kalispell Fire Department.
Witnesses say that shortly after 6 p.m., Tuesday, the roof of 406 Bar and Grille on First Avenue West caught fire. The restaurant was quickly evacuated without incident as firefighters with the fire department arrived on scene.
Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman said crews reported thick smokes and visible flames when they arrived.
After confirming everyone was out of the building, crews started an exterior offensive on the flames, and the fire was quickly controlled once the firefighters were able to gain access to the roof.
Damage, which includes the exterior roof and some interior damage, is estimated at about $50,000. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Evergreen Fire Department, Whitefish Fire Department, Kalispell Police Department, West Flathead EMS, Flathead Electric and NorthWestern Energy also responded and assisted with controlling the fire.
The 406 Bar and Grille has been open for less than two months and replaced the North Bay Grille, which had been in that location for over a decade. The new restaurant is operated by Brian Scotti-Belli whose family also owns ScottiBelli’s and ScottiBelli’s Pizzeria in Kalispell and ScottiBelli’s Acqua Pazza in Lakeside.