Great Falls, MT – A detached garage was completely destroyed after a second-alarm fire broke out Friday night on 9th Avenue South in Great Falls, prompting a large-scale emergency response from multiple firefighting agencies. Despite the severity of the blaze, no injuries were reported, though crews worked throughout the night to secure the scene and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Incident Overview
According to Great Falls Fire Rescue (GFFR), crews were dispatched to the scene around 10:55 p.m. after reports of heavy smoke and flames emerging from a detached garage behind a residential property. Upon arrival, firefighters found the structure fully involved in fire, with flames rapidly consuming the building.
“Within 10 minutes of our D-platoon crews beginning firefighting efforts, the roof of the garage collapsed,” GFFR said. “This sudden structural failure forced us to switch to defensive operations to ensure the safety of all personnel on the scene.”
The garage, located on the south side of 9th Avenue, was a stand-alone structure and did not appear to be connected to the main residence. Fire officials emphasized that this containment likely prevented the fire from spreading to the neighboring home, potentially saving lives and additional property.
Multi-Agency Response
Due to the intensity of the fire, GFFR requested assistance from the Montana Air National Guard Fire Department and the Malmstrom Air Force Base Fire Department. These additional crews helped provide water, equipment, and manpower to control the blaze, allowing GFFR personnel to rotate safely and maintain effective firefighting operations throughout the night.
“Our collaboration with the Montana Air National Guard and Malmstrom Fire Department was critical in ensuring the fire did not extend beyond the detached garage,” GFFR said. “Large fires like this require coordination and quick action to protect both people and property.”
Timeline of Events
- 10:55 p.m.: Initial dispatch of GFFR crews to the 9th Avenue South location.
- 11:05 p.m.: Crews arrive on scene and find garage fully engulfed in flames.
- 11:15 p.m.: Roof collapse prompts defensive firefighting measures.
- 11:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.: Multiple agencies, including Montana Air National Guard and Malmstrom Fire Department, work to contain the fire.
- Early Saturday morning: Fire completely extinguished; crews begin assessing damage and ensuring the site is safe.
Damage Assessment
The garage was deemed a total loss, with fire officials confirming that the structural integrity was entirely compromised. Officials are still investigating what sparked the fire. No reports of damage to the adjacent residence or other nearby structures have been reported, and fortunately, no residents were present inside the garage at the time.
Safety and Community Awareness
Firefighters highlighted that detached garages are particularly vulnerable to rapid fire spread because they often contain combustible materials, gasoline-powered equipment, and other flammable items. They urged residents to take preventative steps, such as:
- Storing fuels and chemicals safely and away from living areas.
- Installing smoke alarms in garages and other outbuildings.
- Keeping fire extinguishers accessible.
- Ensuring clear access for firefighting personnel in case of emergencies.
“Fires can start quickly and spread just as fast in detached garages,” GFFR said. “Residents should take precautions and ensure that their properties are equipped with proper safety measures.”
Local Community Impact
Neighbors expressed relief that the fire was contained without injuries but noted the dramatic scene in their residential area. The fire required a significant response and brought attention to the importance of fire preparedness in local communities.
“It was shocking to see so many fire trucks and crews at night,” said one nearby resident. “Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it really makes you think about how quickly things can get out of hand.”
Investigation Underway
As of Saturday, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire investigators plan to examine the structure, speak with the property owner, and collect evidence to determine whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate. Officials stressed that the investigation may take several weeks given the extent of the damage.
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