Heroic Firefighters Save Milltown Home From Major Fire Damage

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Rapid Response from the Missoula Rural Fire Department kept damage to a minimum early Friday morning as crews responded within six minutes to the fire at a home in Milltown.

I spoke with MRFD Battalion Chief Ron Lubke on Friday afternoon about the fire.

Missoula Rural Fire Responded to a House Fire in Milltown

“We had a number of calls going on, and then at approximately 8:12, Friday morning, we received a report of a structure fire at 102 Lancer Street in Milltown in the Bonner area,” began Chief Lubke. “We were able, fortunately, to clear up some units from the other calls and respond to that fire. The first unit arrived in less than six minutes and found a large, two-story house with smoke coming out of the second floor and the attic of the home.”

Chief Lubke described the rapid response to the residential blaze.

“The first arriving crews initiated an offensive fire attack, and were very aggressive at getting into the house,” he said. “They determined that the fire was located in the attic, and they were able to get into the attic, and they had the fire knocked down in about 10 minutes, and after about half an hour, the fire was declared under control.”

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Lubke said Damage was Limited to About $20,000 With $500,000 in Property Saved

Lubke said the damage to the home was about $20,000.

“It was very fortunate that the initial estimate is $15,000 to $20,000 with probably close to $500,000 in property and content salvaged,” he said. “One of the things that was very beneficial is that the fire was discovered early. A passerby saw the smoke, knocked on the door of the home, and alerted the homeowner to the fire, so the fire didn't have a lot of opportunity to advance.”

Lubke said other fire agencies were able to assist in fighting the house fire.

Lubke said East Missoula Fire Also Responded to the Blaze

“East Missoula Fire responded to assist us with two engines and a command unit,” he said. “They weren't quite in the area of the fire, but they were nearby due to another incident. They were helping us with their first engine, so that was very beneficial. We always have an ambulance on standby from Missoula emergency services.”

Chief Lubke repeated his advice to all homeowners to use caution when using electrical appliances; never overload electrical outlets, and avoid using extension cords as a substitute for permanent electrical wiring.