Authorities are still looking into the cause of a pair of Tuesday afternoon fires in the Bonner area.
The Missoula Rural Fire District initially responded to a report of what was thought to be a vehicle fire, according to MRFD Assistant Fire Chief Brent Christopherson.
Several callers reported seeing the fire from Interstate 90.
Christopherson says the blaze turned out to be 1597 Connolly Loop and information was received that it was a vehicle on fire that was 10-to-15 feet from a home.
The first arriving engine reported they had a vehicle well-involved with fire and would be out on fire attack. Christopherson says firefighters then entered the residence and found there was also fire inside the home.
Firefighters knocked down the fire they found in the single-family residence and Christopherson says crews were able to save a significant part of the residence “due to their quick response and action.”
Fire officials are still working to determine what sparked the blaze, but Christopherson says at this time the fires are considered to be suspicious. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is also assisting in the investigation.
No estimates on property saved or damaged are available at this time.