A Montana Quality Inn suffered significant fire damage on Wednesday, including a partial roof collapse.
Firefighters from Kalispell Fire Department, aided by South Kalispell, West Valley, Evergreen, and Whitefish fire departments, were called to the fire at the Quality Inn located on U.S. Highway 2 West after noon.
When they arrived, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters assisted in evacuating the hotel, but had to curtail internal firefighting activities because of the size of the fire. They initiated a defensive attack, but the hotel suffered serious damage, KPAX reports.
Firefighters believe the fire started at the site where a plumber was soldering and quickly spread up a wa; and into the hotel’s attic. KPAX reports.
Efforts are underway to salvage sections of the building.
