Ferndale residents report hearing explosion before structure fire
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months AGO
Firefighters work a structure fire in Ferndale on Thursday, Jan. 22. Neighbors reported hearing a loud blast Thursday morning before emergency responders arrived in the area. (Photo courtesy Zach Green)
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | January 22, 2026 11:00 PM
Witnesses reported hearing an explosion Thursday morning near Ferndale Airport and said it appeared to have come from a garage off Eastman Drive.
The blast shook the walls of Brent Battles’ nearby house on Ferndale Drive, he told the Inter Lake. He and his wife rushed outside, toward a field, where they spotted a plume of thick black smoke hovering over a cluster of trees.
They initially worried it might have been a helicopter crash, he said.
Battles described the sound as akin to a propane combustion. He called 911 as they headed toward the field, and dispatchers told them emergency responders were aware of the situation.
Several residents from the area posted on social media, reporting the noise. Throughout the day, witnesses uploaded videos and photos of a structure fire on Facebook.
Battles later told the Inter Lake the explosion appeared to come from a garage, and that the fire was put out by first responders by early Thursday afternoon.
Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department officials did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment by press time.
Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].
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