A fire broke out in a Bozeman apartment building around 1 a.m.. this morning killing two of the residents. Other residents evacuated the building.

At approximately 12:57 am, March 1,2011, the Bozeman Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 200 block of South 18th Avenue.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy smoke and flames from the south side of the building. Also, the Bozeman Police Department was in the process of assisting residents from the building. Strong winds impacted the initial growth of the fire prior to responder arrival.

Apparatus from all three Bozeman Fire Stations responded as well as off duty command staff and reserve crews. Mutual aid resources from Central Valley Fire, Rae Sourdough Fire, Fort Ellis Fire, the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, and the American Red Cross also responded to assist with this emergency.

Several residents were safely evacuated from the structure. Unfortunately the fire caused two fatalities in one of the apartments.

The Gallatin County Coroner's Office has released the names of the victims as Dale C. Beard, 29 years old and Jacob P. Neuman, 30 years old. Both victims are currently from Bozeman formerly of Wyoming.

The cause of this fire is still under investigation. As more details become available they will be released.

Further questions should be directed to Fire Chief Jason Shrauger, Bozeman Fire Department at 406-582-2350.

City of Bozeman - Department of Public Safety Fire Department

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