The Missoula Rural Fire District was dispatched around 4 a.m. Wednesday to reports of pallets on fire west of Missoula. When crews arrived near Desmet Road they found a large pile of pallets in flames and other piles that were at risk close to the flames. Additional support from the Frenchtown Rural Fire District was called due to how intense the fire was. Officials say heavy equipment was used to spread out burning piles and over 100,000 gallons of water were used to control the fire. No one was hurt from the fire, and the cause remains under investigation. Four water tenders, three engines, one ladder truck, one command unit alongside most fire units worked on the fire for over six hours. Officials say an engine and water tender will remain on the scene throughout the day to help property owners with extinguishing any remaining hot spots.
