Tips needed in deliberately set fire

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead County Sheriff's Office is looking for tips in an arson-caused fire Sunday evening east of Kalispell.

At about 7:30 p.m., a woman driving past Northwest Pipe Fittings, Inc. on Montana 35 reported the fire.

"She saw the building burning close to the ground, across the front," said Bruce Parish, commander of the sheriff's detectives.

An older pickup truck was leaving the parking lot as the woman noticed the fire.

Smith Valley, West Valley, Evergreen and South Kalispell fire departments were notified, but the fire was quickly extinguished. The county fire investigation team was called.

"From the way it was burning, they could tell somebody poured gas alongside the building," Parish said.

Detective Pat Walsh of the sheriff's office is investigating.

Parish said about 52 feet of the building was charred.

The department is asking for anyone who has information about the arson-caused fire to call the sheriff's office at 758-5610 or Crimestoppers at 752-8477.