Fire destroys house on Great Falls' 8th Avenue South

UPDATED: Aug. 6 at 7:36 a.m.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — An early morning fire destroyed a home and garage on 8th Avenue South and damaged part of a neighboring house.

According to a Great Falls Fire Rescue Facebook post, crews were sent to 1109 8th Avenue South at 4:36 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, for a reported garage fire. Firefighters got there at 4:43 a.m. and found the garage burning heavily, with flames moving into the house and threatening the home next door at 1115 8th Avenue South.

Commanders switched to an outside attack because of the fire conditions and the chance the building could collapse. They also called for a second alarm to bring in more help.

Firefighters were able to keep the flames from getting inside the neighboring house. That home had damage to siding and gutters, but Great Falls Fire Rescue reported no major structural damage.

The fire at 1109 8th Avenue South continued to build as crews worked from outside. The garage came down early and the roof of the home collapsed soon after.

During the response, firefighters learned the homeowner had reportedly died several weeks earlier and the property was believed to be vacant. Crews still handled the fire as a possible rescue until they could safely search the site.

Great Falls Fire Rescue said the City of Great Falls Utilities Division brought in heavy equipment to move large debris. That helped firefighters get to hot spots faster and finish putting out the fire more efficiently.

After conditions improved, crews searched the structure and debris. They found no victims and no animals.

The home and garage at 1109 8th Avenue South were a total loss. Firefighters stayed at the scene to watch for hot spots as the cause remained under investigation.

Great Falls Fire Rescue reported there was no sign the fire was criminal in nature. 

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Great Falls Fire Rescue crews are fighting a structure fire on 8th Avenue South and 11th Street, the team said at 5:08 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rescue team asked people to avoid the area and use alternate routes to allow emergency personnel safe access to the scene.

Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas, it said.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as crews work to bring the incident under control. Additional information will be provided when available,” the team wrote in its release.