UPDATE: 3:40 p.m. - Feb. 26, 2020
MISSOULA - Fire crews were called to a homeless encampment near Reserve Street along the Clark Fork River on Wednesday afternoon.
The Missoula Fire Department reports that when units arrived on scene at around 1 p.m., they found a large column of smoke coming from a campsite on the west side of the Reserve Street Bridge.
Due to limited access, firefighters walked to the scene where they found the fire in a lean-to type campsite.
Numerous small explosions, likely due to propane and fuel canisters, were occurring, so MFD used a portable pump and hose lay from the river to fight the fire.
No injuries were reported. The cause is currently unknown.
(first report: 1:19 p.m. - Feb. 26, 2020)
Crews are battling a fire that is burning under the Reserve Street Bridge in Missoula.
Multiple firefighters are on the scene and a black column of smoke can be seen over the area.
The blaze is burning in the area of a homeless camp.
The Missoula City Fire Department and the Missoula Rural Fire District are on the scene.
Crews can be seen drawing water from the river.
Motorists should use caution and expect delays in the area.
We will have more information on this developing story as it becomes available.
