UPDATE: 9:55 p.m. - May 5, 2021
MISSOULA - A Tuesday afternoon fire destroyed a home on Missoula's northside, killing two dogs inside.
The City of Missoula Fire Department reports a next-door neighbor saw smoke and flames coming from the backyard of 930 Stoddard Street Tuesday afternoon just before 3:30 p.m.
The first responding engine reported a large, dark column of smoke while still several blocks away.
Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the two-story house with "intense flames was impinging onto another house next door," according to a news release.
Initial efforts were to protect the unburned house and also to knock down the heat from the house already involved.
As other crews arrived, the fire had progressed to the upstairs with extremely high heat.
The home was empty at the time of the fire, but two dogs died. The total loss of the home is estimated at $450,000.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
(first report: 4:17 p.m. - May 4, 2021
Emergency crews are on the scene of a structure fire in Missoula.
The Missoula Police Department reports the blaze is in the 900 block of Stoddard Street.
Neighbors told MTN News they saw smoke and an explosion near the rear of the house.
The fire is on Missoula's northside in the area of Saint Mary Cemetery.
Emergency vehicles are on the scene.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
MPD and MFD currently on the scene of a structure fire in the 900 block of Stoddard St. Security on the area includes the street so adjust navigation accordingly. Watch for emergency vehicles.
— Missoula Police Dept (@mpd_tweet) May 4, 2021
