Displaced resident praises Big Sky Resort, BSFD, local community for ‘incredible’ support
By Jack Reaney and Mira Brody
The Big Sky Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a private residence on Little Coyote Road at approximately 3 p.m. on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 29, according to a press release shared by BSFD shortly after.
Upon arrival, crews identified smoke coming from the eaves of a single-family home and conducted a rapid fire attack inside the structure, where they found the fire had extended into the attic and was spreading quickly. All occupants had safely exited the residence prior to firefighters’ arrival.
The fire was brought under control quickly, with most damage limited to one side of the structure. Multiple Big Sky Fire Department units responded, with mutual aid provided by the Yellowstone Mountain Club Fire District, Gallatin Gateway Fire Department, Bozeman Fire Department, Hyalite Fire Department, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
‘Overwhelmed with gratitude’
The residents, the Woodgers, are a local family who have lived in Big Sky for nearly three decades. EBS spoke with Sam Woodger, husband and father of two school-aged sons, whose lives were uprooted by the fire.
The family is unsure how long repairs will take, and do not expect to move back in.
Woodger explained that the home’s owners, Scott and Martha Johnson, were “unbelievable” in their immediate support and helped find a new rental for the family to live. In the interim, Big Sky Resort—Woodger’s employer—provided the family lodging at the resort for a couple nights.
“I can’t say enough—the resort has always been super good to me,” Woodger said, emotional over the phone. “… Everyone is healthy, and we’re just overwhelmed with gratitude for the community.”
The fire department contained the fire to one side of the home. Still, smoke and water damage, as well as a partial roof collapse, will require lengthy repairs.
“The fire department was super quick, very professional, very helpful,” Woodger said. “They were grabbing things that looked like they’d be important to us, out of the place. And they were really good to the kids. The kids were there, and my oldest had a gaming computer that he was hoping might get salvaged, and they were able to get that out of there… Those guys were so helpful and on it. We’re very fortunate to have that department—every single member was super nice.”
As word spread, Sam and his wife, Amy Woodger have received hundreds of texts and phone calls from community members. Locals have given away kitchenwares, home supplies and other essentials lost in the fire. Woodger, who has worked in the snow removal business, was surprised to hear from former clients offering furniture and favors.
“All the locals have been really helpful… We don’t need anything—all the stuff we lost, it seems like it’s already mostly replaced,” Woodger said. “The community really stepped up.”
