Fire consumes Helena Flats home

A house on Helena Flats Road was destroyed in a blaze Sunday afternoon.

No injuries were reported.

Evergreen Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 12:53 p.m. after a resident called in to report the fire, which started on the porch, according to Evergreen Fire Marshal Ben Covington. When firefighters arrived at the scene around 1 p.m., the flames consumed about 75% of the two-story house he said.

“There were a few rooms saved, but as far as the big picture, it is a total loss. If it didn’t take fire damage it took smoke damage,” Covington said.

Covington said the fire was under control within 30 to 40 minutes with assistance from Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell, South Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Smith Valley, Creston and Whitefish fire departments.

“A big thank-you to our mutual aid partners,” Covington said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

When asked if there were any fire safety reminders he had for the winter season, Covington cautioned people to practice regular maintenance of heaters, stoves and fireplaces — particularly checking that chimneys are clean.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 406-758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.