Fort Ellis Volunteer Fire Department responded to two separate incidents east of Bozeman over the weekend.
On Saturday, February 7, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the department was called to a wildland fire near the Jackson Creek exit at Laurel Ranch Road, north of Interstate 90. Firefighters reported windy conditions at the scene. Although one shed was lost, crews contained the fire before it could threaten nearby homes. The blaze covered about 40 acres, and no injuries were reported.
The following day, on Sunday, February 8, around 4:45 p.m., a Fort Ellis firefighter noticed smoke in the area of Fort Ellis Road south of Bozeman Trail Road and investigated further. Upon arrival at the 1800 block of Fort Ellis Road, he found part of a two-story residence on fire with no occupants present. Gallatin County Dispatch was notified about the active fire. Firefighters from Bozeman Fire, Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue and Hyalite Fire worked together to control the blaze and recover belongings for the homeowner. An ambulance from AMR stood by as a precaution. The house sustained significant damage but there were no injuries; the family cat was found safe.
Fort Ellis expressed appreciation for assistance provided by Amsterdam Fire, AMR, Bozeman Fire, Bridger Canyon Fire, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, Gallatin County 911, Hyalite Fire and Montana Highway Patrol.
###
