BIG SKY, Mont. – A fire broke out at the One and Only Hotel, which is currently under construction, on September 26, 2024, at 6:37 p.m.
The Big Sky Fire Department (BSFD) responded to reports of visible smoke and flames at the hotel’s west building. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire on the third floor and upgraded the incident to a 2nd alarm commercial structure fire. This activated significant mutual aid from agencies across the valley.
According to a Facebook Post, BSFD crews made an aggressive entry, quickly advancing to the third floor. After confirming no occupants were inside, they initiated a coordinated offensive attack.
The firefighting efforts contained the fire within just over an hour. The fire was confined to two primary units where it originated. Crews used a drone with thermal imaging technology to check the roof for hot spots. A portion of the roof had been compromised, leading firefighters to isolate the fire in the ceiling space.
The hotel’s fire suppression systems were not yet activated due to ongoing construction. However, the rapid response and decisive actions of the crews played a critical role in saving most of the structure. Two hotel room units were declared a total loss, and there was significant smoke damage throughout the building and water damage to the first and second floors.
More than 20 fire units and over 40 personnel responded to this incident. The response included support from agencies such as Yellowstone Mountain Club Fire, Central Valley Fire, Hyalite Fire, Bozeman Fire, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Gallatin Gateway Fire.
An interagency investigation team is currently working to determine the cause of the fire.
