Authorities have identified a suspect who allegedly started a 6.5-acre fire Wednesday that destroyed at least two homes in a residential neighborhood in Evergreen.
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry described the suspect as a transient and said initial evidence suggests the blaze was started by a cigarette. Curry said the sheriff’s office is finishing its investigation and will forward information to the Flathead County Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether charges are filed.
Fire crews from across the valley successfully suppressed the fire Wednesday night, and evacuation orders were lifted. No injuries were reported. Two or three homes were reduced to ashes and several outbuildings were also consumed. Investigators are still trying to determine the exact extent of the damage, according to authorities.
The fire erupted Wednesday afternoon along Mountain View Drive east of U.S. Highway 2.Fueled by hot, dry conditions, the blaze spread quickly in grass throughout the neighborhood and forced the evacuation of numerous homes. Multiple valley fire departments responded, as well as crews from the U.S. Forest Service and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A helicopter assisted in the effort.
“The firefighters did an amazing job. There was great cooperation,” Curry said. “Certainly had it not been so aggressively attacked by so many personnel, it had a very bad potential. It certainly could’ve been much, much worse.”
»»» Click here to view photos of the Evergreen fire.
Fire officials are reminding residents that the smallest spark has the potential to cause significant fire damage. Fire restrictions remain in effect across Western Montana. Under Stage 1, fires are prohibited except within developed recreation sites. Smoking is allowed only in areas cleared of flammable materials. Exemptions include fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG, or other activities for which there is a permit or written authorization.