Montana town’s only grocery store, gas station burns down

MISSOULA – An early morning fire destroyed the only grocery store and gas station in Condon, a town of about 350 along Montana Highway 83 between Seeley Lake and Swan Lake.

Missoula County officials said the fire at Mission Mountains Mercantile was reported just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Deputy Bob Purcell told KGVO-AM that firefighters did a good job of keeping the fire away from the gas pumps, two propane tanks outside the store and the power lines above the building.

Leanna Grubaugh told the Missoulian her husband worked at the mercantile. She said the nearest store is now 30 miles away in Seeley Lake.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.