On Saturday, Dec. 30, Frenchtown resident and former KPAX television anchor Mark Holyoak reportedly awoke to the smell of smoke and found that his house was on fire. At 7:40 a.m. the Frenchtown Volunteer Rural Fire Department responded to his 911 call on Coyote Lane. Additional support was made from the Missoula Rural Fire District and the firefighters were able to put the blaze out within 40 minutes.

Firefighters cut through insulation and studs to reach the bedroom where the fire was reportedly seen. The cause of the fire is still under investigation; however, electrical causes have been ruled out. Holyoak and his wife were able to escape the home without suffering any injuries.