Lolo Home Engulfed in Flames, Pet Lost in Fire

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula Rural Fire responded on Tuesday afternoon to a structure fire on Mormon Creek Road in Lolo, in which the home itself was completely consumed by the blaze.

I spoke with MRFD Deputy Chief Corey Horsens late Tuesday afternoon about the fire that could have threatened forestland near the home.

Deputy Chief Horsens Described the Fire on Mormon Creek Road

“We really dodged a bullet today with the potential for structure fire to spread to the adjacent forest land, but our crews did a good job of stopping the structure fire from spreading,” began Horsens. “Unfortunately, the home appears to be a total loss. By the time our crews arrived, it was fully involved with fire, and so they had to conduct defensive fire operations, meaning that they were remained outside the structure and applied water until such a time it was safe to enter and finish extinguishment.”

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Horsens said Firefighters were Able to Keep it from Spreading into the Forest

While a ladder truck was not able to access the fire, Horsens said there were enough personnel and fire apparatus to keep the fire from spreading.

“Initially, we responded with two of our structure engines and a ladder truck,” he said. “We sent a wildland engine in its place, and we ended up with a total of five water tenders and one command unit. Missoula Emergency Services provided an ambulance to stand by to for the protection of the firefighters and the homeowners. Florence Volunteer Fire Department also provided one of those five water tenders.”

Horsens said While no People were Injured a Beloved Pet was Lost in the Fire

While no residents or firefighters were injured, the family did suffer the loss of a beloved pet in the fire.

Fire Investigators Should Have their Investigation Completed on Wednesday

“Sadly, one of the homeowners’ dogs did perish in the fire,” he said. “We did have a fire investigator on the scene. They they're still putting together their hypothesis as to what caused the fire, but typically that takes about 24 hours or so for them to look over their notes. I suspect by now they have a decent idea as to what that is, but I don't want to speculate that cause might be, but it usually takes anywhere from eight to 24 hours or so for them to finish an investigation.”

The fire occurred just before noon on Tuesday and occurred in the 9300 block of Mormon Creek Road in Lolo.