Arson suspected in Ronan fire
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State and county officials are investigating a suspected arson fire that occurred on Pache Lane on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
According to Ronan Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Clary a report of a fully-engulfed home came in before 9 p.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, the blaze seemed to be contained to the living room area, Clary said.
It took firefighters less than two hours to smother the blaze. The home sustained heavy smoke and fire damage and will likely need substantial remodeling to be livable again, Clary said.
“Thankfully, no one was at home,” he added.
Clary did not believe there was anyone living at the house at the time of the fire.
Lake County Undersheriff Dan Yonkin said that his office received a tip shortly after the call that indicated the blaze may have been intentionally set.
“We sealed up the house and made contact with the State Fire Marshall’s office,” Yonkin said.
An investigator from the State Fire Marshall’s office investigated the next day.
An accurate address was not available for the residence, and further details were not available pending investigation.
Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the State of Montana Fire Marshall are investigating.
Ronan Ambulance, Ronan Police Department and Flathead Tribal Police all responded to the incident.