Authorities believe that fires in two portable toilets Thursday evening were intentionally set, according to Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman.

“It’s the only way they could have ignited,” Dedman said.

Two latrine units sitting a block apart in the 1300 block of Second Street West were reported by passers-by as engulfed in flames at 6:35 p.m. Thursday.

A single fire engine doused both fires within minutes. The port-a-potties were both complete losses.

“In one instance the port-a-potty was up against the building and it could have communicated to the building itself,” Dedman said. “Luckily it didn’t.”

The fires have been deemed suspicious. Anyone with information about possible suspects can call the Kalispell Police Department.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].