UPDATED: Helena firefighter's home burns down in Helena's East Valley

UPDATED: Helena firefighter's home burns down in Helena's East Valley
Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a fully engulfed house fire in Helena’s East Valley around noon on Thursday. / THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record

Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a fully engulfed house fire in Helena’s East Valley around noon on Thursday.

The home belongs a Helena Fire Department firefighter, the local firefighter union announced.

"Today one of Helena Firefighters IAFF Local 448’s own members were devastated by the loss of their home from a structure fire," a Facebook post reads. "Fortunately, everyone made it out and is safe. However, nearly everything was lost in the fire."

The two-story home on Divine Drive less than a mile east of the roundabout at Canyon Ferry Drive and Lake Helena Drive caught fire and became fully engulfed due in part to winds gusting up to 40 mph in the area.

Massive flames could be seen from Canyon Ferry Road, and bystanders pulled over to observe.

Several fire agencies responded to the fire and law enforcement had roads in and out of the subdivision blocked off as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

No further information was immediately available.

If you wish to help assist the family, monetary donations will be accepted through the union's financial fund: Helena Firefighters Benevolent Fund, 300 Neill Ave., Helena, MT 59601.

Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a fully engulfed house fire in Helena’s East Valley around noon on Thursday. / THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record