UPDATE 4:10PM- Investigators are trying to figure out what sparked a fire that heavily damaged a business in Kalispell.
It happened just before 6:00AM Wednesday morning at the RE/MAX Real Estate services building on 1 Main Street.
When Kalispell firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke showing, with visible flames from the roof.
Crews fought the difficult fire for almost four hours. The heat and smoke forced personnel to retreat from the building and attack the fire from the outside.
Thankfully, no one was injured. Fire officials do not suspect foul play, however the fire is still under investigation.
Neighboring businesses to RE/MAX had to be evacuated as well. Those businesses, located at 7 and 11 Main Street, received minor smoke damage, but RE/MAX suffered heavy fire damage.
Immediate fire loss totals are not available at this time.
Assistance was received from Kalispell Police Department, Evergreen Fire Department, Whitefish Fire Department, South Kalispell Fire Department, Smith Valley Fire Department, West Valley Fire Department, Flathead Electric Cooperative and Northwestern Energy.
KALISPELL – Multiple agencies responded to a large structure fire at the RE/MAX building on Main Street in Kalispell early Wednesday.
Kalispell Assistant Fire Chief Jon Campbell says responders were dispatched after the first call of fire came in around 5:45 a.m.
Crews fought the difficult fire for almost four hours. While no injuries have been reported, smoke and water damage to the building is significant.
Campbell says the origin and cause of fire are still under investigation.
