Great Falls Fire Rescue Releases Details on Howard’s Pizza Fire

Phew!  We almost lost a longstanding, iconic business in Great Falls yesterday.

The Howard's Pizza/Stein Haus building at 711 1st Avenue North caught fire in the early afternoon of January 21, but a quick reporting of the fire and response by the Great Falls Fire Rescue have saved this staple of the downtown area.

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Great Falls Fire Rescue Releases Details on Howard's Pizza Fire

In a press release, the GFFR said the first call came at 1:47pm for the fire at the favorite hangout.  When responders arrived, firefighters observed moderate dark smoke coming from the roof area and roof vent of the Howards Pizza building.

via GIPHY

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After entry, firefighters discovered a fire in the kitchen area of the business, near the ceiling, with the fire extending into the roof of the building.  Once found, the fire was under control within 6-8 minutes of arrival of GFFR.

Damage to Building and Both Businesses - Closures for Now

GFFR stated in the release that the "fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen and roof area, and heat and smoke damage impacted much of the interior building of Howards Pizza. Next door, the Stein Haus had minimal smoke damage".

Great Falls Fire Rescue said the "cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation and appears to be accidental in nature".

According to a social media post by the Stein Haus, they will be able to re-open on Friday January 23, 2026.  The Howard's Pizza location is closed until further notice.