Five escape early morning house fire in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – In the early hours of Monday, April 14, a house fire broke out at on 1st Ave SW in Great Falls. The fire was reported at 1:46 a.

m. as originating from a generator outside the home, according to Great Falls Fire Rescue. GFFR's A Platoon responded quickly, with Truck 2 arriving at the scene by 1:51 a.



m. All five occupants and their pets were safely evacuated from the house. Two of the occupants were taken to Benefis East for medical evaluation, though their condition remains unknown.

The fire extended into the first and second floors of the house, necessitating a second alarm. The Montana Air National Guard and Malmstrom Air Force Base Fire Departments provided additional support. The fire was challenging to control due to the lath and plaster construction of the house.

The building sustained significant damage and is considered a total loss. This incident comes exactly one year after a previous fire at the same address destroyed a back apartment. The American Red Cross has been notified to assist the displaced residents.

The generator next to the house was identified as the cause of the fire..