Fire destroys trailer home in Columbia Falls

A fire destroyed a trailer home off U.S. Highway 2 in Columbia Falls on Wednesday (Feb. 25).

The fire broke out about 12:09 p.m., and flames from the blaze also set nearby power lines on fire. The fire was caused by an unattended electric heater, said Columbia Falls Fire Chief Bob Webber.

The trailer was owned by Michael Pyles, who had left the home about an hour earlier. Pyles reportedly had no insurance.

Firefighters from Columbia Falls, Bad Rock and Evergreen departments responded. The home was a total loss, though the blaze itself was contained to the rear of the unit.

Firefighters cleared the scene about 4:30 p.m.

Webber noted that there have been several fires from home heat sources in western Montana recently and folks should never leave heaters, particularly electric heaters, unattended.