City of Missoula Fire Department

625 E. Pine Street | Missoula, MT 59802

Office: 406.552.6210 | Fax: 406.552.6184

To: All Media Outlets

From: Chad Kidd, Battalion Chief B-Shift

Re: Fire Structure Response

Date: 12/14/2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INCIDENT: Structure Fire Cooley Street, Missoula, MT

Missoula, MT – It is with deep sorrow that the Missoula Fire Department (MFD) announces the
fatality of an elderly woman following a structure fire that occurred in the late evening of
December 14, 2023. At approximately 11:18 pm, MFD crews were dispatched to a structure
fire on Cooley Street. The incident unfolded with swift and coordinated efforts by first
responders.

Upon arrival, responding crews conducted a thorough assessment of the situation. Engine 141
crew arrived on scene to discover a small trailer home engulfed in black smoke. Black smoke
billowed predominantly from the main window, towards the front of the home. Concerns were
raised by neighbors regarding the potential presence of an elderly woman inside the
residence.

ACTIONS TAKEN:
Upon a preliminary assessment of the scene, the decision was made to enter the structure
from the main entrance, the epicenter of the smoke. The crew swiftly initiated a fire attack
setting up an inch and a half hose to combat the fire. Inside the residence, heavy dark smoke
obscured visibility, revealing a small fire in the living room area near the kitchen. The crew
effectively extinguished the flames and pressed on with a search. Tragically, a victim was
discovered in the kitchen.

Despite immediate efforts to assess the individual, it was determined that there were no
obvious signs consistent with life. Subsequent assessments affirmed the unfortunate outcome
that the individual was deceased. Following this, a thorough primary search of the entire
structure was conducted, revealing no other victims or signs of fire spread.

As additional crews provided ventilation and support, the original fire experienced a re-ignition
and was promptly extinguished. The incident was concluded with salvage and overhaul
operations by additional crews, including a subsequent full secondary search of the home.

The deceased victim was transferred to law enforcement, and members of MFD’s Fire
Prevention Bureau were assigned to the scene for further examination and investigation. The
victim’s name will not be released at this time, pending notification of family members.
Notification will be conducted by the Missoula Police Department.

The Missoula Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones
affected by this tragic incident.

The cause remains under investigation and updates on the investigation may be provided as
they become available. Information related to this incident can be provided to the Fire
Prevention Bureau by calling (406) 552-6210.

MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Fire Chief, Gordy Hughes
Assistant Chief, Brad Davis
Assistant Chief, Philip Keating
Fire Marshal, Dax Fraser
(406) 552-6210
Grp.fireadminsupport@ci.missoula.mt.us