Kila home damaged by fire

A house fire in Kila on Wednesday night destroyed the home’s roof and caused extensive damage.

A chimney fire spread to the attic of a home on Coon Hollow Road shortly after 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

Five fire departments responded and worked on the fire until 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

The homeowner was released from the hospital emergency room after being treated for smoke inhalation, according to Smith Valley Fire Chief D.C. Haas. There were no other reported injuries.

The roof of the home was lost in the fire and there is extensive water damage throughout the interior, Haas said.

“There was great cooperation between all of the first responders,” Haas said, adding that firefighters from South Kalispell, West Valley, Evergreen and Marion also responded, along with West Flathead Emergency Medical Services.

Haas said firefighters had trouble getting water up to the home because of its position on a mountain. Icy roads and cold weather also presented challenges.  

Homeowners are reminded to display their addresses so they are visible from the road.

“It can be hard to find homes on those mountain roads if the address isn’t displayed at the end of the driveway,” Haas said, noting that responders had difficulty finding the burning home Wednesday night.

Reporter Brianna Loper may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at bloper@dailyinterlake.com.