Chief Cliff home destroyed by fire

SCOT HEISEL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 4 months AGO

(Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)

CHIEF CLIFF — A fire severely damaged a home on Gunbarrel Lane in the Chief Cliff area between Elmo and Dayton on Monday afternoon.

The fire was reported around 1:30 p.m. at the home of a “young family with six kids,” according to Chief Cliff Fire Chief Andy Learn.

No family members or pets were injured in the fire, and responders were able to protect much of the family’s clothing and personal items, Learn said. He added that the family had been in touch with American Red Cross and temporary housing was being established.

Learn said it appears the fire originated in a wood stove in the garage, which was a total loss. The main house remained standing, but heavily damaged.

Responding agencies included Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department, Rollins Volunteer Fire Department, Polson city and rural fire department, Ronan Fire Department, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Lake County Emergency Management.