Big Arm postal services diverted after fire

A fire damaged the Big Arm Post Office late Tuesday night forcing postal services to be diverted to the Elmo facility until further notice.

The Polson Rural Fire District responded to the incident at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday. Fire Chief Gordon Gieser and 23 rural firefighters were on scene with 11 pieces of apparatus. The crew was able to quell the flames before they engulfed the entire building.

“It was an incredibly awesome save,” said Fire Captain Drew Hoel. “Everyone did a great job,” he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, although it appears to have started in the letter drop box, Hoel said.

No one was injured in the fire.

Officials have yet to estimate the cost of the damages to the building.

The Big Arm Post Office serves 250 customers and includes 100 Post Office boxes.

Mail delivery and retail services will be serviced out of Elmo. Big Arm box holders can also pick up their mail at the Elmo Post Office with valid identification.

The Elmo Post Office is located at 26288 Missoula Ave., and staff can be reached at 406-849-5587. The Polson Post Office is also fielding calls at 406-883-2088.

United States Postal Service representative Darla Swanson said updates or changes to future delivery decisions will be communicated as they happen.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.