One victim transported to Idaho Falls for care; BSFD crew makes ‘incredible stop’ to save adjacent homes
By Jack ReaneyASSOCIATE EDITOR
This story was updated on 4/1 with additional details from a Big Sky Fire Department press release.
On Friday afternoon, the Big Sky Fire Department responded to a reported explosion in the Cascade Ridge neighborhood near the Beehive Basin trailhead. A propane leak is the suspected cause, although that remains under investigation.
The explosion triggered a structure fire which eventually destroyed the home, according to Big Sky Fire Department Deputy Chief Seth Barker. BSFD arrived at 2:53 p.m. and found “a fully involved structure fire,” Barker told EBS in a phone call on Saturday morning. A March 31 BSFD press release estimates the total property damage at $2.75 million.
The occupant suffered life-threatening injuries, according to the release, and was transported by helicopter to Idaho Falls for medical care at a regional burn center.
COURTESY OF BIG SKY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The responding firefighters—with mutual aid from the Yellowstone Club Fire Department, Bozeman Fire Department, Gallatin Gateway Fire Department, Hyalite Fire Department, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office—were able to contain the fire using “an aggressive exposure protection tactic,” saving both neighboring buildings with minimal damage, according to the release. Barker noted that snow made it difficult to access all sides of the building.
“During the response, a large black smoke column was visible from the area, and flames extending 15 [feet] above the roof line of the structure were visible from Lone Mountain Trail,” the BSFD press release stated.
Flames engulfed and destroyed the home, but firefighters were successful in containing the fire and protecting neighboring structures. PHOTO BY MICHAEL PITCAIRN
“Our crew did a tremendous job,” Barker said. “With eight guys working yesterday, they made an incredible stop, and saved millions of dollars in property value. They did an incredible job in the first 45 minutes.”
On Saturday at 9:30 a.m., firefighters were still on scene after working through the night.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get
more
Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
Sky, MT to paint anytime between Jun 1 – 28, and participate in the exhibition
and sale of paintings from June 29 – July 31.
Come join us! We have a great
place to paint and are welcoming and fun!
Don’t miss out!
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 1:00 am - July 31 (Wednesday) 11:55 pm
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary.Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm