Fire engulfs appliance pile at landfill

A large fire broke out early Sunday afternoon at the Flathead County landfill north on U.S. 93. Water tankers from at least seven different fire departments moved in and out of the landfill as firefighters battled a large fire in the appliance pile.

The fire attracted hundreds of spectators and slowed traffic on U.S. 93 as intense flames rose through a thick black column of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Officials gave no cause for the fire, which burned through the large mound of discarded appliances.

Responding departments came from the West Valley, Kalispell, Evergreen, Columbia Falls, South Kalispell, Smith Valley and Whitefish fire halls. An emergency medical unit was called to stand by, but no injuries were reported.