Officials continue to probe cause of McGrade Center fire

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation into the cause  an early Sunday morning fire at McGrade Center.

According to a press release from Sheriff Roby Bowe, the origin of the fire, which was received at 6:39 a.m. to Libby Volunteer Fire Department, is suspicious. The release simply states, “The investigators believe the cause of the fire was arson.”

When firefighters responded, there was heavy smoke coming from two offices in the Social Services center belonging to Jeff Wedel and Marquita Peterson.

On Tuesday, Libby Schools Superintendent K.W. Maki got the first look into the offices, which were heavily damaged by the fire and soot.

Maki reviewed the damage just before an insurance agent was to review the damage.

According to Randy Mysse, a district maintenance person, there was damage to the windows, ceiling and repairs will be necessary to electrical outlets and in-wall wiring.

There are no estimates yet of the damage.

“heavy smoke” coming from behind the old McGrade School. When firefighters arrived,

they found an active fire in one of the offices leased to the State of Montana. After the

fire was extinguished, members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Libby

Volunteer Fire Department conducted an investigation. The investigators believe that the

cause of the fire was arson. The case is still under investigation.

Anyone having information about this crime or any other crime please contact the

Lincoln County Sheriff’s office as (406) 293-4112 extension 3.