-Sherry Devlin reporting for the Missoula Current
MISSOULA – A Missoula forestry and firefighting business sustained $250,000 in damage Wednesday night in a structure fire on Industrial Road.
Missoula City Fire Battalion Chief Kip Knapstad said firefighters were dispatched at 8:27 p.m. to Grayback Forestry, 6420 Industrial Road. They found thick black smoke pouring from the eaves and all overhead doors of the shop/warehouse upon arrival.
Knapstad said crews used power tools to cut through the garage bay doors and were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes.
He estimated that at least $400,000 in property was saved by the firefighters’ quick work. The response included 3 engines, 2 ladder trucks and 21 firefighters. Also responding were the Missoula Police Department, Missoula Rural and Missoula Emergency Services Ambulance.
Grayback Forestry is a Missoula wildland firefighting and forest restoration business, with offices in five Western cities. Grayback sends crews across the nation to fight wildfires and conduct prescribed burns and forest thinning projects.
The company also provides wildland firefighter training.
