Polson fire destroys mechanic's shop
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | August 14, 2025 12:00 AM
A fire late Sunday afternoon on Fifth Street E. in Polson destroyed David Young’s shop, but was quenched before it could spread to the adjacent family home.
“It was a pretty good blaze for sure,” said Polson Fire Chief Clint Cottle.
A neighbor who lives directly south of the blaze on 16th Ave. E. reported a large explosion that rattled her home.
According to Cottle, the shop contained “several things that did or could explode, including propane tanks, plenty of gasoline, and vehicle tires and airbags.”
Cottle said all structure fires emit toxic fumes. “This one was no different – just different materials.”
He attributed the glitter-like substance that appeared in the plume of black smoke emitted by the fire to magnesium, a common ingredient in car parts. Firefighters deployed foam in addition to water to help suffocate the flames.
While evidence is inconclusive and the investigation continues, Cottle said a riding lawnmower that had just been used “is a possible ignition source.”
“I’m confident that I can call it unintentional,” he added.
In addition to completely destroying the shop, the fire damaged some outbuildings and four vehicles to varying degrees. A camper sustained heat damage.
The family was able to safely evacuate. One minor injury was reported by a firefighter, who was treated and released at the scene.
The call came in a 5:22 p.m. Sunday and firefighters had cleared the scene three hours later, at 8:20 p.m. A total of 30 fire personnel and 12 apparatus responded to the blaze, including engines from the Polson Rural Fire District.
The Polson Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, CSKT Law Enforcement, Polson Ambulance, Mission Valley Power and Lake County Dispatch also lent a hand.
“We have a good group of folks,” Cottle said. “It’s a team effort.”
Polson City and Rural firefighters mop up after Sunday's fire that destroyed David Young's shop. (Ismet Gokce photo)ARTICLES BY KRISTI NIEMEYER
Much Ado About Shakespeare: Traveling troupe performs in Polson, Charlo
As the sun began its westward slant, a crowd of about 400 people gathered on the hillside above the Flathead River, facing the new stage at the Polson Fairgrounds amphitheater – all eager for an annual dose of The Bard, courtesy of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
Former Ronan mayor appointed county commissioner
Former Ronan Mayor Chris Adler has had his eye on serving as county commissioner for the past few years. On Monday, that goal took a sizable step toward reality when commissioners Bill Barron and Gail Decker appointed Adler to fill the remaining two years left in Steve Stanley’s term after the commissioner steps down Oct. 2.
New Ronan superintendent: 'Our best days are still ahead'
Ronan’s new superintendent, Sandra Beal, bounds to her office door like an athlete – or an Alaska fisherman. She’s been both, and brings that same seemingly boundless energy to her new job of helming School District 30.