One person dies in car fire outside of Homewood Suites Hotel
JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months 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
Funding request for mall redevelopment gets favorable reception at Kalispell City Council
City Council on Monday appeared supportive of a developer's request for $13.9 million in tax increment financing funds to renovate Kalispell's downtown mall.
Columbia Falls and Whitefish won't bill Trump for rally costs
Officials in Columbia Falls and Whitefish don't intend to ask the White House to reimburse municipal coffers for costs tied to President Donald Trump's visit to the Flathead Valley last month.
Kalispell Planning Commission invites public to weigh in on low-income apartment complex
The public on Tuesday can weigh in on a forthcoming low-income apartment complex going up along Stillwater Road in Kalispell.