Arrest made in HuHot restaurant fire

MISSOULA -- The Missoula Police Department has arrested 37-year-old Amy Birk on arson charges related to a fire that occurred at the former HuHot building on Brooks Street. The incident has sparked a coordinated investigation involving both the Missoula Police Arson Unit and the Missoula Fire Department.

On March 19th, detectives found that the fire began in a shed. Surveillance footage was reviewed, which led to the identification of a suspect. An off-duty police officer who recognized the suspect's description subsequently reported their findings to detectives.

Following her identification, Birk was interrogated by detectives and subsequently booked into the Missoula County Detention Facility.

The police department has acknowledged the vital role of the community in assisting the investigation, particularly through the provision of surveillance footage, which was instrumental in promptly identifying and apprehending the suspect.

This incident highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community members in addressing fire-related crimes.