Arson studied as cause of Evergreen business fire

Investigators say a fire that damaged an Evergreen business early Tuesday morning was the work of an arsonist.

Flathead County Undersheriff Jordan White said the fire at Valley Medical Center remains under investigation by county fire officials and detectives.

“It is suspected to be arson as they detected accelerant and forced entry,” White said Wednesday.

Evergreen Fire Rescue doused the fire at the back of the building after the blaze was reported at about 1 a.m. but were unable to save the structure.

White said samples of the apparent accelerant will be tested to determine exactly what was used to ignite the fire.

“It’s possibly gasoline,” White said.

The fire appears to have been started inside the structure, White said.

Owner Bernice Mellem told The Associated Press that her business performs drug and alcohol tests. She said some people who were tested have been unhappy with the results and may have wanted to get even.

Mellem says she hopes to rent another building and reopen her business soon.