A Saturday night fire that destroyed three of Montana Trolley Co.’s trollies remained under investigation Tuesday.  

Creston Fire Chief Gary Mahugh said the department received a call about a fire at the site on Montana 35 at around 11:40 p.m. Crews worked quickly to lock down the surrounding area to make sure the fire did not spread, but the fast-moving blaze consumed three trolleys and damaged a fourth.  

Mahugh said the cause of the fire remained under investigation but added that the incident was “suspicious in nature.” 

Creston firefighters worked to contain the blaze until 2:30 a.m., Mahugh said. Crews also received water tender assistance from Evergreen Fire Rescue. One firetruck was left on-site until the investigation could begin in the morning, and crews were at the scene until around 4 p.m. on Sunday. 

Montana Trolley Co. Owner Scott Davis said he wasn't aware of the fire until Sunday morning, when he woke up to calls and text messages from his grandson. 

“Three of the trolleys were totally burned to the ground, and then the fourth trolley was severely, severely damaged. I don't know if it's worth fixing, but to replace [all four] it'd be around $400,000,” he said.  

While the fire remains under investigation, Davis suspected arson as a possible cause. He said he didn’t understand why someone would go after the trolleys after "all of the positive memories they created for people in the Flathead Valley." 

“That baffles me — who would do such a thing? ... I told the fire marshal, ‘You know, I’m just devastated, I don't know who would hate the trolleys, or hate me, my daughter, or anything associated with the trolley company,’” Davis said. 

Montana Trolley Co. has been in business for 13 years, providing unique transportation for a wide variety of events, including celebrations like weddings and birthdays, historical tours, and its annual Christmas light tours, which Davis said sells out every year.  

The business started when Davis spotted a trolley on the side of the road, which he later bought and named “Hazel” after his mother. 

Davis planned to sell the business and was planning to speak with a potential buyer on Tuesday.  

“He's still negotiating, but you know, I'm going to lose tons of money ... Hopefully he'll still take the trolley company and maybe we'll be able to get the trolley going for Christmas lights,” he said.  

An investigation into the fire is being conducted by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Flathead County Fire Investigation Team, Mahugh said.  

He urged anyone with information to contact the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 406-752-TIPS.  

    Two of the four trolleys burned with the Montana Trolley Co. Owner Scott Davis said the trolley on the left was partially burned, but has significant damage. (photo courtesy of Scott Davis)
  

    Montana Trolley Co. Owner Scott Davis said four trolleys caught fire on Saturday night. The incident is under investigation. (photo courtesy of Scott Davis)