Missoula Fire Department crews were kept busy on Monday afternoon responding to two structure fires.

Fire Inspector Blake Richards described the first incident that was reported just after noon on Monday at 102 Cove Court.

“We had three engines, a ladder truck and a battalion chief respond,” said Richards. “When they got there, they found smoke coming out the front door, and a little bit of fire they extinguished in the bathroom. One person at the scene suffered some minor smoke inhalation but was not hospitalized.”

The fire department estimates the damage was limited to about $2,000, while the estimate of the property saved was estimated at $250,000.

Richards said there was another structure fire later in that afternoon located at 1900 South Third Street West.

“Again, we had a full complement of response, with three engines, a ladder truck and a battalion chief,” he said. “We found smoke showing with a fire in the kitchen of the three story apartment building in the basement apartment, and they extinguished it. Crews also evacuated the surrounding apartments.”

Richards said the response was quick enough so that there was no smoke or water damage in any of the upstairs apartments. Property damage was estimated at between $3,000 to $5,000, however the quick response save an estimated $1 million or more in property saved.

The fire department reminds homeowners to use care when cooking and to test home fire detectors.

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