Haskill house torched in chimney fire
<p>A chimney fire March 1 charred a home on Haskill Crossing Road east of Whitefish.</p>
A hot spot in a chimney likely led to a full-blown structure fire last week at a home east of Whitefish.
Whitefish firefighters were called out to the blaze at 274 Haskill Crossing Road on March 1 just before 10:30 p.m.
“We had a quick response and by the time the guys arrived fire was blowing out of one side of the house,” said Whitefish Fire Chief Joe Page.
According to Page, the renter of the home smelled smoke and saw discoloration in the ceiling when he called 911. All of the occupants in the three-bedroom home were able to get out safely, including a dog, Page said.
“[The renter] was able to witness just how fast a fire progresses,” Page said. “He got everyone out of the house, grabbed a few items, but then couldn’t handle the smoke and heat and had to get out.”
The structure is still standing, but is inhabitable, Page said.
Firefighters from Evergreen, Kalispell and Columbia Falls were called to the blaze and stayed on the scene until 3:30 a.m. the next day.
Page said it’s likely the fire was smoldering in the chimney box when it caught the house on fire. He recommends homeowners have their chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Page also recommends people change smoke detector batteries in the spring and fall when Daylight Saving Time starts and stops. That means a battery change is due March 13.