Tester tours Whitehall fire scene

The Friday fire which leveled some Whitehall businesses attracted the attention of Montana Senator Jon Tester.

The Democrat met with community members in Whitehall to listen to their concerns and answer questions.

Some of the main concerns residents brought up during the gathering focused on funding for rebuilding, the economic impact to the community and the loss of jobs.

"We're going to be doing the best we can do to try to help these folks whether it's working directly with the businesses through county government or city government to help them out" explained Tester. "We'll do whatever we can..these businesses are critical to a community especially a community the size of Whitehall."

Tester added there may be funding available for small businesses along with aid possibly from FEMA. He also told us around 20 jobs were lost as a result of the blaze.