One dead after structure fire on Kootenai Vista Road

A structure fire on Kootenai Vista Road left at least one person dead Sunday, fire officials said.

About 20 firefighters from the Libby Volunteer Fire Department, including multiple mask crews, descended on the trailer park about mid-afternoon. Smoke billowed from the trailer and flames occasionally shot through the roof as a swarm of firefighters sought to control the blaze.

Assistant Chief Scott Beagle said the arriving crews launched aggressive interior attacks, meaning firefighters battled their way into the burning home, after learning of a potential victim.

Beagle said neighbors told emergency responders an individual might be inside. Officials later confirmed the fatality and learned the resident might have owned several dogs.

Beagle said firefighters would do a second sweep for the animals.

Officials do not yet know the cause. Beagle expected the investigation to begin Sunday evening or Monday morning, given the approaching nightfall.