The investigation continues into an alleged arson at a fire station just outside of Kalispell.
Fire Chief D.C. Haas says his faith in humanity is not shaken despite vandalism that wrecked the Smith Valley fire hall sometime Saturday night.
"I’m at my desk returning calls from departments around the country – 'What can we send you? How can we help? Is it monetary? Is it equipment? Is it gear?'. It’s amazing to see that outpouring of support from fire departments that want to help you, that want you to be successful."
Haas says a rescue truck that was set on fire is most likely a total loss. Another vehicle was seriously damaged. Critical rescue gear was also destroyed.
"The tools that we need when we have an automobile accident, when we need one, two or three engines out there – [now] we don’t have the to tools to be successful. We’re relying on our cooperators [cooperating agencies], but they’re as busy as we are."
Haas doesn’t have an estimate yet for the dollar value of what was lost. He’ s considering setting up a GoFundMe account.
The Flathead County Sheriff’s office is investigating.
