Great Falls fire crews respond to 2 structure fires in 24 hours

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Great Falls Fire Rescue battled two separate building fires over a 24-hour period on March 30 and March 31.

According to a press release from the department, the first fire broke out at a warehouse building at Hickory Swing Golf Course, located at 1100 American Avenue, on March 30. When firefighters arrived, they discovered the entire building consumed by flames, along with several golf carts and equipment stored inside.

Because of how far the fire had spread, crews worked to stop the blaze from reaching other areas. Extra firefighters were called in to help battle the fire.

No one was hurt in the warehouse fire. What sparked the blaze remains unknown, and investigators are working with Hickory Swing staff to determine the cause.

The second fire happened around 3:30 a.m. on March 31 at the Voyager Apartments, located at 1630 Division Road. When crews arrived, they saw smoke filling the hallway and called for more help.

Firefighters entered a single apartment to find and put out the fire, keeping the damage confined to where it started.

One person was discovered in the apartment suffering from burn injuries and needed urgent medical attention. That individual was flown to a burn treatment center in Salt Lake City for additional care.

What caused the apartment fire is still under investigation and does not appear to be criminal.

Great Falls Fire Rescue stressed that these fires show why working smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and quickly reporting fires matter. When crews get notified early, they can respond faster, which helps stop fires from spreading.