News Release
Prepared by: Battalion Chief Greg Orr

On March 3rd, 2026, Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD) was dispatched at 7:40 p.m. to a structure fire on Mantle Way in Lolo, Montana. First-arriving units found a single-wide trailer with more than 50 percent of the structure fully involved in fire.

All occupants had safely exited the structure prior to firefighters’ arrival; however, a dog remained inside.

With assistance from Florence Fire Department, crews were able to bring the fire under control relatively quickly. Firefighters were able to locate and remove the dog from the structure, but it unfortunately did not survive.

The fire caused significant damage to the front portion of the trailer, and much of the rear of the structure sustained heavy smoke damage.

The response includes:

·         3 engines

·         1 ladder truck

·         4 water tenders

·         1 command unit

The incident was investigated by MRFD in coordination with the Missoula County sheriff’s office and the Montana State Fire Marshal's Office. At this time, the cause of the fire has been classified as undetermined.

Residents are reminded to test their smoke alarms monthly and change their smoke alarm batteries when turning back clocks in the fall and ahead in the spring.

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For additional information regarding this incident, please contact MRFD at 406-549-6172.