South Kalispell had a busy Friday night addressing multiple emergencies, starting with a power line issue on Conrad Drive. While attending to this, crews were called to a structure fire at Elite Auto on Highway 93 S., according to South Kalispell Fire Department.
Thanks to the efforts of mutual aid partners, including Somers/Lakeside Fire Department, Smith Valley Fire Department and West Valley Fire & Rescue, the structure fire was controlled. Evergreen Fire Rescue assisted with the initial call, allowing units to address the fire.
The structure fire was contained mainly to the upstairs and attic areas, though smoke and water damage affected parts of the ground floor. Officials confirmed the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among responders or the public. Crews returned to their hall to prepare apparatus for future calls, while others attended to a medical emergency in South Kalispell.
