Blaze probed as arson

Flathead County sheriff's detectives are conducting an arson investigation into a fire March 3 that destroyed Timberline Tool.

Sheriff's detective Sgt. Pat Walsh has spoken with at least one witness, but is asking for the public's help to get more information that could shed light on the cause of the fire.

At 10:30 p.m. that Saturday, a man driving with his wife and children along Montana 35 east of Kalispell passed the business, which is a short distance north of McWennegar Slough, and saw flames at the building.

Walsh said the man turned around and drove back to the business, which manufactures aluminum crimping tools for gas pipelines.

The driver, manager of a Kalispell propane company, saw two plastic gas cans on fire in a forklift parked in a breezeway. He also saw a third gas can on the breezeway floor, also on fire and with flames burning up the wall.

Walsh said the man searched his own vehicle for a fire extinguisher but found none, then tried to put out the fire by throwing dirt and snow on it.

When a propane tank beneath the forklift torched and shot flames out for some distance, he backed out in time to avoid injury.

Six fire departments arrived on the scene, with more than 50 firefighters on hand from Creston, Bad Rock, Evergreen, West Valley, South Kalispell and Kalispell departments.

In addition, Bigfork and Somers provided backup to handle calls that came in for the six departments.

Neither Walsh nor Mahugh had a damage estimate this week. But both said the cost will be considerable because of the specialized equipment in the building and the extensive damage done to the building.

Walsh said Kenneth Green of Whitefish has owned the company about 10 years, and moved to his current location about two years ago. Green could not be reached Wednesday.

The building used to be the site of Parker Bronze, which now is in another building to the south. Kimber Arms gun shop is in the building to the north, closest to the highway.

Anyone with information should call Walsh at 758-5603.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 752-8477 (752-TIPS).