UPDATE: 3:09 p.m. - Jan. 8, 2021
GREAT FALLS - An early-morning fire in Great Falls destroyed one house, damaged another, and claimed the lives of two dogs.
Great Falls Fire Marshal Mike McIntosh said in a news release on Friday afternoon that firefighters responded to a second-alarm fire at 1915 6th Avenue North just before 5 a.m. on Friday. One house was fully engulfed in flames, and the fire had spread to a neighboring residence.
There were five people in the house, and all five were able to make it safely out of the home. There were two dogs found deceased inside the home; a third dog survived and was found in the basement.
All occupants in the neighboring house also managed to escape safely.
The first house has been deemed a total loss; the occupants have been put in contact with the American Red Cross to arrange for immediate needs. The neighboring house sustained minor fire damage. We will update you if we learn of how community members can help.
Great Falls Fire Rescue has determined the cause of the fire to be incendiary. The Great Falls Police Department is handling the law enforcement investigation into this fire.
(first report: 12:34 p.m. - Jan. 8, 2021)
Emergency crews responded to a house fire in Great Falls on Friday morning.
It happened along the 1900 block of 6th Avenue North. The fire was reported at about 5 a.m.
One house was fully engulfed in flames, and the fire spread to a house next door.
Firefighters say that everyone inside both houses managed to escape safely, and there are no reports of any serious injuries.
The extent of the damage has not yet been determined, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
