Fire crews in Missoula responded to a report of thick smoke in an apartment complex just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
Flames broke out in an apartment located at 1935 Trail St., just north of South Third Street West.
Three fire engines, an ambulance and a command unit were dispatched to the scene.
The fire was contained to the kitchen where crews quickly extinguished the flames.
A fire inspector said the tenants of the unit were not home at the time and the occupant's three pets were able to be safely evacuated.
The upstairs tenants were also evacuated.
The fire was ruled an accident.
No injuries were reported, but some first responders were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The Missoula Fire Department released the following information:
At approximately 14:47 on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, the Missoula Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire alarm and smoke coming from a first-floor apartment unit.
Missoula Police Department officers were able to assist with evacuation of an immobile occupant prior to MFD arrival. Upon arrival, crews found the fire was contained to the kitchen area and were able to quickly extinguish with minimal water. There is heavy smoke damage to the impacted apartment.
In addition to the occupant of the impacted apartment, the occupant’s three pets were able to be safely evacuated along with the occupant of the second-floor apartment.
At this time, the cause remains under investigation, however, Fire Prevention Bureau Inspector Jamie Porter has indicated that it appears to be accidental.
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE:
Never place combustibles on top of a stovetop. Every year many accidental fires occur under circumstances where the occupant believed the stove was either off or cooled enough to place combustible items.