Mt. Sentinel Fire Caused by Juveniles say Fire Inspectors

Missoula City Fire Inspector Blake Richards told KGVO News on Wednesday afternoon that the Mt. Sentinel fire last week was caused by juveniles, but the investigation is still underway.

It was a week ago Thursday that 9-1-1 dispatched the Missoula City Fire Department to what was first reported to be a structure fire, according to Fire Chief Jeff Brandt, as KGVO reported that evening.

“You know, I believe we received a phone call around just after six o'clock tonight and it actually came in as a structure fire,” he said. “So we were a bit behind the curve starting out with because we responded with our Type One engines and not our Wildland Fire engines. But as soon as we got close to the scene, we realized what it was and redirected resources and got help to come in, and so we were able to anchor in the bottom and we just started working out and quite frankly, the helicopters and that coordination with the Forest Service and DNRC was able to first hinder and then stop this fire.”

Brandt said he was ‘counting his blessings’ that the fire did not spread further, and that so many agencies responded and helped extinguish the fast moving fire.

The fire smoldered overnight into Friday morning with firefighters keeping a watchful eye on the burned area.

Fire Chief Brandt texted that a ball park figure for fighting the fire could be estimated at between $75,000 and $100,000.

Fire Inspector Richards said it has been determined that juveniles started the fire, but more investigative work is necessary before any official action can be taken.

Because they are juveniles, no names will be released if and when they are charged.

There were no injuries or physical property damage reported, and Fire Chief Brandt texted that a ball park figure for fighting the fire could be estimated at between $75,000 and $100,000.

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