Eureka Glacier Bank fire not caused by arson

Investigators have determined that a fire that destroyed the Eureka branch of Glacier Bank last week was not the result of arson, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

The blaze, which was reported just after 4 a.m. Thursday, appears to have started in an office located in the northeast corner of the building.

“Investigators examined the ruins in this area and were able to determine the fire was not arson caused,” according to a Sheriff’s Office press release, which also cited witness statements and video of the fire.

The announcement came Tuesday after the completion of an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Montana State Fire Marshal’s Office. Speculation that the fire was the result of arson had grown after a burglary was reported at a nearby pharmacy about the same time emergency responders were notified of the fire.

The scene has now been turned over to fire investigators from the bank’s insurance company, which is expected to determine the actual cause of the fire.

Eureka Volunteer Fire Department President John Livingston said firefighters used about 500,000 gallons of water to douse the blaze.

Glacier Bank employees and customers have been conducting business in the Eureka offices of First Interstate Bank and the Whitefish Credit Union.

Glacier Bank President Bob Nystuen said Tuesday that a temporary office will be in place as early as next week. A modular unit ordered from a Texas company will be placed on a lot located at 1094 U.S. 93 North, he said.

Reporter Eric Schwartz may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at eschwartz@dailyinterlake.com