Sunday, May 10, 2026
60.0°F

Kitchen fire breaks out in Kalispell duplex

JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 3 months AGO
by JACK UNDERHILL
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. | January 28, 2025 12:31 PM

The Kalispell Fire Department responded to a fire in a duplex on Seventh Avenue West about 10 a.m. Tuesday.  

Called in by a tenant, the fire started on a kitchen stove and vented out the backside window, according to Assistant Fire Chief Jessica Kinzer.  

No one was hurt, but three residents were displaced, she said. The American Red Cross will be assisting them.  

The fire was isolated to one half of the duplex and the house remains intact. The residents salvaged personal items on the second floor and garage. 

Kalispell responded with two fire engines and nine personnel. Crews from Evergreen, Whitefish and Smith Valley fire departments also responded to the scene. Kalispell Police officers provided traffic control.  

Kinzer said the fire was put out relatively quickly and crews were able to clear the scene after two hours. 

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 or [email protected].

ARTICLES BY JACK UNDERHILL

Coalition, cruisers seek solutions to curb reckless driving on Kalispell's Main Street
May 10, 2026 midnight

Coalition, cruisers seek solutions to curb reckless driving on Kalispell's Main Street

The Downtown Forward Coalition has begun meeting with cruising enthusiasts, exploring ways to curb reckless driving along Main Street on Friday nights.

Flathead Valley Reentry Center prepares to release first residents, plans to add more staff
May 9, 2026 midnight

Flathead Valley Reentry Center prepares to release first residents, plans to add more staff

The Flathead Valley Reentry Center is fully operational and on track to release its first resident offenders into the community this month.

Defense argues self-defense as Jeffrey Serio's homicide trial opens in Flathead County District Court
May 6, 2026 midnight

Defense argues self-defense as Jeffrey Serio's homicide trial opens in Flathead County District Court

Suspected murderer Jeffrey Serio’s attorney argued Tuesday that the 48-year-old acted in self-defense when he fatally ran over Maurice “Mory” Grigg with his car on an august evening last year.