House fire leaves unanswered questions

Columbia Falls Fire Chief Rick Hagen concurred with Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry that a house fire that resulted in the deaths of two people last week is not suspicious.

But having said that, the fire still has unanswered questions.

"We still don't know the point and source of ignition and may never know," Hagen said.

Fire investigators from the homeowner's insurance company were supposed to examine the scene this week.

The fire destroyed the Trumble Creek Road home of Gene and Juanita Hallas and killed their daughter-in-law, Brittany Kayleen Ince, 30, and her three year-old son, Gavin Thomas Henrichon. They were in the basement when the fire broke out about 9 a.m. Aug. 3 and were unable to get out.

The fire burned fiercely and firefighters had to use an excavator to recover the bodies.

Hagen said while there may have been fire detectors in the home, there was no evidence that they were in working condition. He said the house had considerable fuel load inside, which contributed to the blaze.

The North Valley Eagles Club in Columbia Falls is taking donations for items and cash for the family. Juanita worked at the Eagles as the bar coordinator. The Club had a fundraiser for the family on Saturday.