September 11, 2026 - 2:06 AM

Heavy Equipment Fire in West Riverside

News Release
Prepared by: Battalion Chief Ron Lubke

 

At approximately 2:06 a.m. on September 11, 2026, Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD) was dispatched to a reported structure fire near the intersection of First Street and Cowboy Trail in West Riverside.

The caller reported seeing flames and smoke coming from what was believed to be a large warehouse near the intersection. The closest responding MRFD engine, from Station 4 in Bonner, reported seeing a large column of smoke and visible flames while leaving the station.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a locked gate and were required to force entry to gain access to the property. Crews quickly determined that the warehouse was not on fire. Instead, a large front-end loader was heavily involved in fire.

The fire had extended to overhead utility lines and a nearby utility pole, and several additional pieces of heavy equipment were exposed to the fire. Due to the involvement of the overhead lines and the potential electrical hazard, firefighters initially utilized a defensive fire attack while working to protect the surrounding equipment and prevent further fire spread.

Northwestern Energy was requested to respond to the scene. Upon their arrival, utility personnel determined that the affected overhead lines were communication lines rather than energized power lines. Once the electrical hazard was ruled out, MRFD crews initiated an aggressive attack on the burning equipment and contained the fire in just over 10 minutes.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined. MRFD Fire Investigators remain on scene and are working to determine the origin and cause.

An exact dollar amount of the damage is still being evaluated. However, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby heavy equipment. It is estimated that several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of additional equipment and property was protected from fire damage.

MRFD responded to the incident with three engines, two water tenders, one ladder truck, and a command unit. Off-duty MRFD personnel were recalled to staff stations and maintained emergency response coverage throughout the fire district while crews operated at the incident.

MRFD was assisted by Missoula Emergency Services, Inc., East Missoula Rural Fire District, Clinton Rural Fire District, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, and Northwestern Energy.

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

MRFD would like to thank our assisting agencies for their support and cooperation during this incident.

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

Firefighters work at a nighttime scene with smoke and flashing lights, responding to an incident.
Firefighters battle a blaze involving a large piece of machinery at night, using hoses to spray water and control the flames.
The image shows a scene with firefighters attending to a smoky situation, illuminated by emergency vehicle lights, viewed through a wet surface.
A nighttime scene showing emergency vehicles with flashing lights, viewed through a wet windshield, possibly responding to an incident.
An old, rusty bulldozer emits steam at night, with power lines and a pile of material nearby.
Firefighters work at a nighttime scene with smoke and flashing lights, responding to an incident.
Firefighters battle a blaze involving a large piece of machinery at night, using hoses to spray water and control the flames.
The image shows a scene with firefighters attending to a smoky situation, illuminated by emergency vehicle lights, viewed through a wet surface.
A nighttime scene showing emergency vehicles with flashing lights, viewed through a wet windshield, possibly responding to an incident.
An old, rusty bulldozer emits steam at night, with power lines and a pile of material nearby.