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Passing RV sparks fires - Crews battle seven-fire complex

Jesse Davis | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 7 months AGO
by Jesse Davis
| April 26, 2013 9:00 PM

A 50-plus acre fire scene consisting of seven smaller fires sparked by a passing recreational vehicle drew a massive response involving seven fire departments Friday evening.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m., Evergreen Fire Rescue was dispatched to what initially was reported as a small grass fire at 2753 Helena Flats Road.

According to Evergreen Fire Chief Craig Williams, however, that was only the beginning.

Williams said the first reports of the fires came in after dispatchers had received multiple reports of a white recreational vehicle driving down Helena Flats Road dragging a piece of metal. The fires were reported along the side of the road after the RV passed through.

“There were three structures threatened,” Williams said, “but there was no loss.”

By 6:30 p.m., the only flames left were a few tiny flickers hanging on to a charred stump near the road as firefighters engaged in mop-up work.

Evergreen Fire Rescue received support from the West Valley, Badrock, Columbia Falls, South Kalispell, Whitefish and Glacier Park International Airport fire departments.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Highway Patrol also responded.

Williams said the RV had not yet been located.

The fires burned east of Helena Flats Road near the intersection with Birch Grove Road.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].

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