(UPDATE, THURSDAY) Great Falls Fire Rescue said on Thursday that the fire at 1409 Eighth Avenue South sparked in a garage, and the structure was "fully involved" when firefighters arrived.
GFFR said in a news release that the house and garage had been vacant for three years, as the owners had passed away. Being that the house was vacant, it was a well-known squatter house; however, there was no one in the house at the time of the fire.
The house sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.
Video from the scene:
On investigation into the cause of the fire, it was found that the electricity and gas had been shut off to the house and garage prior to the fire.
The fire was human-caused, according to GFFR, but investigators have not yet determined if it was accidental or criminal in nature.
There were no injuries.
(1st REPORT, WEDNESDAY) Emergency crews are responding to a reported structure fire in Great Falls.
Initial reports indicate that it is along the 700 block of 14th Street South, and was reported at about 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday.
People are advised to avoid the area if possible.
There is no word yet on whether anyone has been injured, nor the suspected cause of the fire.
We have a reporter at the scene and will update you as we get more information.
