Garage fire caused by kiln quickly doused

The Kalispell Fire Department was able to quickly put out a garage fire caused by a pottery kiln Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters responded to the 744 Fourth Ave. East home at 6:17 p.m. after receiving a report of smoke coming out of the sides of the garage. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke emanating from the building, which was not attached to the residence.

A direct attack put a quick end to the conflagration, which was caused while the kiln was in operation.

The fire was largely confined to the trusses of the garage and caused minor fire and smoke damage assessed at approximately $11,000.

The fire was ruled to be accidental, and no further investigation will be completed.

The Evergreen Fire Department, the Smith Valley Fire Department, the Kalispell Police Department, and Flathead Electric Co-op responded to the blaze.