Miller Creek house destroyed by malfunctioning fireworks

Malfunctioning fireworks caused a fire that gutted a house on Logan Court on July 4, according to a Missoula Fire Department press release. 

The house caught flame on the night of July 4, and all the occupants had already evacuated when firefighters arrived to see heavy smoke and flames. About three quarters of the front and side of the home, along with the center of the roof, were aflame when crews arrived on scene. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the garage or any neighboring homes. However, the garage was damaged by the fire. 

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and turn the property over to the homeowners, but the home was heavily damaged and is no longer livable. 

The sister of one of the homeowners has launched a GoFundMe to provide the family basic supplies and temporary housing. 

The fire remains under investigation, the release states, but investigators have determined the fire was caused by malfunctioning aerial fireworks.

According to witness statements, aerial fireworks were lit near the property and launched themselves sideways instead of upward, hitting a large juniper bush. Occupants said they were unable to find the firework in the bush, but about 10 minutes later, the bush caught on fire. The fire spread through the bush and then ignited the home. The release states that mature juniper shrubs are highly combustible, and this one was close to the home. 

According to the release, Missoula County 911 received 139 calls related to fireworks between July 3 and July 5, and during the same period, the Missoula Fire Department also responded to two wildland fires.