Massive Fire Burns in Downtown Butte, Arson Suspected in Other Fires

Massive Fire Burns in Downtown Butte, Arson Suspected in Other Fires

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By KFBB News Team

Story Published: Jun 11, 2009 at 11:09 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 12, 2009 at 8:15 AM MDT

A fire broke that broke out in Butte Thursday morning is still burning, sending thick smoke into the air, and firefighters say it could burn for days.

The Whalen Tire Warehouse fire was the first of three fires reported in the city over a six-hour span. There was about $2 million in inventory in the five-floor building, and two of those floors are below ground.

The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department received the first call at about 3:00 a.m., and fire officials say the fire most likely started on the first or second floor before spreading to the rest of the building, fueled by thousands of tires.

Officials have closed off roads and shut off the power in the area and firefighters say the building could collapse. The Butte-Silver Bow fire chief tells us at least two other fires were started this morning and both of those were arson. At this point, they're not sure if this fire is related.

Just before 7 a.m., a fire was reported at a vacant house about a block from the tire warehouse. Volunteer firefighters responded to that blaze.

And a third fire alarm went off just before 9 a.m. at a butte clothing shop.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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