Missoula Home Destroyed After Fireworks Misfire

Missoula Fire investigators now say a fire that destroyed a family's home on the south side of the city was sparked by malfunctioning fireworks, which didn't go up in the air as expected, firing sideways into some bushes and starting a blaze that destroyed a large home.

The blaze on Logan Court in the Linda Vista neighborhood happened right during the peak of fireworks displays Saturday evening, leading to little doubt about the source of the ignition, with witnesses describing how the front and roof of the house had erupted in flames.

Missoula Fire Department investigators say witness statements and evidence at the scene show the "aerial fireworks", which are designed to go off in the air, went off sideways, traveling laterally and landing in a large juniper shrub.

"Occupants reported they were unable to locate the firework within the dense vegetation. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes later, flames became visible within the shrub. The homeowner attempted to extinguish the fire with water but was unsuccessful. The fire spread rapidly through the mature juniper before extending to the residence, igniting the front porch and garage area. The rapid fire growth was consistent with the highly combustible nature of mature juniper shrubs and their close proximity to the home." -Missoula Fire

Initially, the 9-1-1 calls reported the fire as being on Christen Drive, before dispatchers were able to clarify the location and re-route the responding units. When they got there, firefighters say 75% of the front of the house and the roof were already burning. Two cars were parked inside the open garage, but fire crews were able to keep the blaze from spreading into the garage or burning adjacent homes.

"While this incident could have been prevented by abstaining from using fireworks, we send sincere condolences to the family who lost so much in this fire," MFD said in a statement. "We are grateful that everyone made it out safely and no one was injured, and we recognize the emotional impact of losing a home and cherished belongings."

Missoula firefighters dealt with two other wildland fires over the holiday weekend, with Missoula County 911 receiving 139 calls related to fireworks, even though larger fireworks are illegal within the city limits.

Relatives have started a GoFundMe account to help the family with their immediate expenses.