Fire destroys home in Plains

A home in Plains was destroyed last week by a fire.

According to Plains fire chief Anthony Young, the Campbell residence on Meany Street caught fire around 4 p.m. last Wednesday, and could not be controlled for several hours. Young said the cause of the fire is not yet known.

"I wasn't in town when it happened but my crew has updated me," Young said. His crew reported 50- to 100- foot flames in the air. There were reports of propane tanks that "went off along with ammunition firing from inside the house." Young said his crew was working on the fire until 10:30 a.m. Thursday. "They went back every couple hours to make sure there were no new flare ups," he added. Young said his crew reported that the metal roof covered the fire and prevented the water from extinguishing it. "It took a ton of water to get it out. The cause is still under investigation," Young said. "There was one burn victim who was life-flighted to Harbor View Hospital in Seattle. That victim was reported to be Campbells' son," Young concluded.

There was one arrest made by the Plains police. A citizen refused to stay back from the danger of the fire and exploding ammunition, according to Montana Highway Patrol Officer Steve Spurr.

James Russell, the Plains Rural Fire Chief, commented that the community was a big help with hoses and the departments cooperated well together. St. James Catholic Church opened its doors to offer assistance and support. "One house across the street was affected by the fire. The yard caught fire and the house siding melted off," Russell said. "The two story home was a total loss," he reported.