1 person killed in Kalispell lumber yard fire

UPDATE: July 29 at 9:42 a.m. 

One person was killed in a large structure fire at the O'Neil Lumber Yard on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Smith Valley Fire District (SVFD). 

SVFD said the address of the fire was initially reported to be on 2nd Street West in Kalispell, which would be under the jurisdiction of the Kalispell Fire Department. However, the address was updated to Fern Way, within the Smith Valley Fire District boundaries. SVFD units were initially delayed "because they were committed to another fire incident," the agency said. 

South Kalispell Fire Command unit 2301 first arrived to the scene at around 9:52 a.m. Witnesses reported that at least one person was trapped inside the burning structure. 

"Kalispell City Fire Ladder 642 arrived on scene and initiated a rescue attempt; however extreme fire conditions prevented the rescue," SVFD said. "Due to the extent of the fire and compromised structural stability, crews transitioned to a defensive fire attack." 

SVFD said the fire was brought under control at around 11:45 a.m. One fatality was confirmed, and the fire district said no other information about the victim would be released "at this time." 

The structure is considered a total loss, according to SVFD. 

"Smith Valley Fire District extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,"  the fire district said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. 

KALISPELL, Mont. – The City of Kalispell said firefighters and police were responding to a “large” fire at the O’Neil Lumber Yard on Fenn Way off of Appleway Drive.

“PLEASE AVOID THE AREA to let emergency responders concentrate on the fire,” the City of Kalispell said in its initial announcement.

The building is currently occupied by Neu-Tech Roofing. 

The Smith Valley Fire Department eventually took control of the scene along with the Flathead County Sheriff's office and was able to get the fire down before 1 p.m.

All surrounding roads are now open. 

There is no official word yet on whether anyone was in the building when the fire started or otherwise injured. Multiple attempts at contacting the fire department for more information were unsuccessful.

The Sheriff's office eventually released a statement saying that the cause of the fire was unknown and subject to investigation.