Creston family narrowly escapes burning home
A Creston family escaped serious injuries after their home caught fire early Tuesday morning. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze which severely damaged the home and four vehicles parked there. (Scott Shindledecker/Daily Inter Lake)
A Creston family narrowly escaped their burning home early Tuesday morning.
According to Creston Fire Department Chief Gary Mahugh, the call came in at 4 a.m. for a house fire on Kauffman Lane near the Creston National Fish Hatchery.
“I live near there, so when I got there the fire already had a good start, but thankfully all the family members got out OK,” Mahugh said. “But we’re very fortunate they got out in time. One of the people living there had minor burns on their back as they escaped.”
Mahugh said a couple lived in the home with two sons, including one who is disabled. A family dog reportedly died in the home.
The Red Cross as well as several neighbors are assisting the family.
Mahugh, who is on the Flathead County Fire Investigation team, is working with another team member to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
“We’re considering everything at this point,” Mahugh said.
In addition to Creston, fire crews from Evergreen and Bigfork responded. A total of 25 firefighters battled the blaze from shortly after 4 a.m. until sometime after 7 a.m. The scene was cleared at 11 a.m.
Mahugh said no firefighters were injured. The home was severely damaged and four vehicles parked at the residence also had varying degrees of damage.
Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com