Weekend Apartment Fire in Missoula Started in the Kitchen

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula Fire Department crews responded to reports of a kitchen fire in a second-story apartment on Sunday, June 21, 2026, and quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing further extension into the building. Robert Hanneman, B Shift Acting Battalion Chief, has the details. 

“Engine 121 arrived to find smoke coming from the upper-level apartment and confirmed that occupants had evacuated,” Hanneman said. “Law enforcement personnel assisted by ensuring all residents were safely evacuated. Upon entry, crews located the fire in the kitchen, where flames were concentrated on the stovetop, extending into the cabinets and the ceiling above.” 

Hanneman said the fire was quickly extinguished, and primary searches confirmed no occupants remained inside.  

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“Crews shut off power to the affected apartment after discovering that a stove burner remained energized and could not be turned off normally,” Hanneman said. “Firefighters opened portions of the ceiling and used thermal imaging cameras to check for hidden fire extension. The fire was contained to the kitchen area, limiting damage to the apartment and preventing injury to residents and firefighters.” 

According to Hanneman, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.  

The Missoula Fire Department reminds residents to never leave cooking unattended and to keep combustibles away from stovetops. Working smoke alarms and early evacuation are critical to ensuring everyone gets out safely when a fire occurs.