One person dies in car fire outside of Homewood Suites Hotel
JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 3 weeks AGO
Law enforcement from Kalispell Police Department and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office stand at the scene of a fatal vehicle fire in the Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel parking lot on Tuesday, Aug. 19. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
KALISPELL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION REPORTER Jack Underhill covers Kalispell city government, housing and transportation for the Daily Inter Lake. His reporting focuses on how local policy decisions affect residents and the rapidly growing Flathead Valley. Underhill has reported on housing challenges, infrastructure issues and regional service providers across Montana. His work also includes accountability reporting on complex community issues and public institutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Underhill graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Journalism before joining the Inter Lake. In his free time, Underhill enjoys mountain biking around the valley, skiing up on Big Mountain or exploring Glacier National Park. IMPACT: Jack’s work helps residents understand how growth, housing and infrastructure decisions affect the future of their community. | August 19, 2025 9:25 AM
One person died in a vehicle fire outside of Homewood Suites Hotel on Monday night, authorities say.
The Kalispell Police and Fire departments responded to the Hutton Ranch Plaza business in North Kalispell about 9:17 p.m., Aug. 18., officials said.
The victim has not yet been identified, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Police Chief Jordan Venezio.
The fire began in a white Chevrolet van and eventually consumed two unoccupied nearby cars, according to Venezio. The cars sat at the outermost edge of the parking lot along Hutton Ranch Road, he said.
Fire crews left at about 11:30 p.m., according to Venezio. But the public should expect an ongoing police presence in the area while investigators are on the scene.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].
ARTICLES BY JACK UNDERHILL
Questions raised after nonprofit’s new RV park opens without city permit
The Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana recently unveiled its new RV Park in South Kalispell, but it still needs a conditional use permit to operate, say city planning staff.
Kalispel City Council approves higher parking fines, overhauls permit system
Kalispell City Council on Monday overhauled downtown parking rules in an effort to free up on-street spaces for customers.
Kalispell officer helps turn a frightening experience for Girls on the Run campers into a positive one
Kalispell Police Officer Cat Edson believes fate is the reason she crossed paths with a group of Girls on the Run campers late last month.