Missoula, MT — A 34-year-old woman is facing charges in connection with a fire that destroyed the former HuHot restaurant on Brooks Street in Missoula. Amy Birk appeared in court via Zoom on Monday afternoon, where she was formally charged with negligent arson for the March 19 blaze that severely damaged the building.
The fire, which caused significant destruction, prompted an immediate response from local fire officials and law enforcement. Following an investigation involving the Missoula Police Department’s arson-trained detectives and the Missoula Fire Department, Birk was arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances that led to the fire, but the case remains under active investigation.
Birk is scheduled to return to court on April 7. If convicted, she could face a fine of up to $50,000 and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The fire has left the building uninhabitable, marking a major loss for the community. The former HuHot location had been a popular spot for local residents before the fire.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
