Dozens of firefighters respond to house fire in Evergreen
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 2 weeks AGO
Fire personnel douse out a house fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on May 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
Fire personnel remove metal slates on the roof of a house that caught fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on May 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
Fire personnel respond to a house fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on May 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
Firefighters mop up at the scene of a house fire along River Road in Evergreen on Tuesday, May 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Firefighters mop up at the scene of a house fire along River Road in Evergreen on Tuesday, May 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
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. | May 6, 2026 12:00 AM
More than 30 firefighters responded to a house fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on Tuesday afternoon.
The home, which appeared to be made largely of wood, is a total loss, said Evergreen Assistant Fire Chief Ben Covington. Calls came in at 1:47 p.m., and emergency responders arrived on scene at 1:50 p.m., Covington said.
The homeowner made it out safely with two children, according to officials. No casualties were reported.
Covington said crews also doused a small grass fire behind the house.
Neighbor Justin Hofeldt, who lives on Sweetgrass Lane, said he was mowing his lawn when he first heard the sirens. Looking across the street, the house was engulfed in flames, Hofeldt said.
“You could feel the heat,” he said.
Hofeldt said he saw the homeowner attempt to put the fire out with a garden hose before emergency responders arrived.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and there’s no known additional damage aside from the house.
Kalispell, South Kalispell, Evergreen, Whitefish, Bigfork and Smith Valley fire departments all responded to the incident as did the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. A water tanker was used to put out the fire, and firefighters drew additional water from a nearby fire hydrant.
The fire was 100% contained by 2:45 p.m., but personnel on a ladder truck could be seen removing metal slates from the house’s slanted roof to douse lingering flames. Most of the charred house is still standing.
Report for America reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at (406) 758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.
Fire personnel remove metal slates on the roof of a house that caught fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on May 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
Fire personnel respond to a house fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on May 5, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
Firefighters mop up at the scene of a house fire along River Road in Evergreen on Tuesday, May 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Firefighters mop up at the scene of a house fire along River Road in Evergreen on Tuesday, May 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
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