Potomac house fire total loss

POTOMAC – Greenough-Potomac Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire just before 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. The house on Coloma Way was fully involved. While firefighters were not able to save the structure, they kept it from spreading to nearby outbuildings and wildlands. The homeowner was taken to Missoula via ambulance for burns. No one else was injured. The cause is still under investigation.

GPVFD Assistant Chief Justin Iverson arrived on scene three minutes after the page at 12:50 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Iverson said smoke was visible from Clearwater Junction. "You couldn't even tell it was a house," said Iverson when he arrived on scene.

When EMT's responded to the station, they found the homeowner who had driven himself to the station for help. Although Life Flight responded as well, he was transported via MESI ambulance to Missoula and was hospitalized for burns. Iverson said they were notified that everyone was out of the home. All the pets made it out okay as well.

GPVFD volunteers arrived quickly with five apparatus and Missoula Rural Fire Department provided mutual aid with a water tender. They contained the blaze to the structure and prevented it from spreading to the homeowner's outbuildings and vehicles.

Missoula Electric Cooperative arrived and cut power to a downed power line that was limiting their response to one side of the house.

Iverson said due to the radiant heat, the fire started to burn into the grass and surrounding forest. A Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation engine assisted with the wildland exposure.

"There were homes behind this one and we wanted to make sure we could get a stop on it," said Iverson.

Hall Wood Processing hauled in an excavator from Timber Trail and Spur Contractors, LLC to move debris and roofing material. This allowed firefighters to get to the base of the fire.

MESI left a paramedic behind at the fire to provide care for the volunteers and ensure they were safe. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office, Missoula County Animal Control and American Red Cross also sent assistance.

Iverson said the 13 volunteers and 11 organizations were clear of the scene around 8 p.m.

"It was definitely a team effort," said Iverson. "We appreciate all of our mutual aid help and the agencies that we train with."

Iverson was not able to interview the homeowner and it was not clear what started the fire. The fire is still under investigation.

Iverson recommended donating to local food banks as they often are very helpful during situations like these. He also said the local volunteer departments are always looking for volunteers.

"If people are really looking to give to their communities, they should consider joining," said Iverson.

For more information visit gpvfd.org or find the Greenough Potomac Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook.