A Kalispell house was damaged in a fire early Wednesday morning. 

According to Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman, firefighters responded at 1:27 a.m. to the home at 114 Boise Ave. after two people sleeping in the home smelled smoke. It is believed a cigarette butt started the fire. 

“It initially started on the back porch where the ashtray was and worked its way into the attic,” Dedman said. 

Firefighters from Evergreen Fire Department and Smith Valley Fire Department and workers from Flathead Electric and Kalispell Police also responded to the scene. The attic sustained heavy fire damage, while the living area had smoke and water damage.  

“It’s not a total loss,” Dedman said. “The home will still be livable once there is some repair work.” 

Dedman had some advice for smokers. 

“If you smoke use an appropriate, non-combustible ashtray,” Dedman said. 

Next week is also National Fire Prevention week, and homeowners are reminded that it is a good time to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors.