Salmon smoker blamed for Columbia Falls house fire
Columbia Falls firefighters battle a house fire on First Avenue East early Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)
An electric smoker was blamed for starting a fire that damaged a home in Columbia Falls early Wednesday.
The homeowner said occupants of the home on First Avenue East awoke to the sound of windows breaking from the heat of the blaze, which started on an outdoor deck and burned into the attic.
No one was injured, and the homeowner said he sprayed water on the fire before firefighters arrived.
Firefighters responded just before 4 a.m. and left the scene shortly after 6 a.m.
The homeowner said a smoker on the porch was to blame. He'd been smoking salmon and unplugged the electric unit, but it was still apparently hot enough to cause a fire.
Columbia Falls Fire Chief Karl Weeks said the home had smoke and water damage and the obvious damage to the attic, but it was repairable.
Eight Columbia Falls firefighters responded to the call. The Evergreen and Bad Rock fire departments also responded to assist.