ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
Two Liberal residences were rendered uninhabitable, and a passenger car was ruled a total loss after what started as a house fire Saturday evening.
Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk issued a press release saying around 7:15 p.m. Saturday, firefighters were dispatched to 204 Academy Ave. for a report of a well-involved house fire with a male subject entering the home and removing belongings.
“The first arriving fire and law enforcement personnel encountered a fully engulfed home and passenger vehicle at 204 Academy Ave.,” he said.
Kirk said additionally, the fire had spread to the south and was burning in the interior and attic of 208 Academy Ave. as well.
“Bystanders also reported two dogs were kenneled in the rear bedroom of that address,” he said. “Simultaneously, an interior attack was initiated in the south residence, while a defensive attack was made on the north residence and vehicle fires.”
Kirk said both dogs were quickly located and safely removed from the home, but as firefighting efforts were under way, the situation was complicated by Saturday’s severe thunderstorm, high winds and hail. The fire was declared under control at 7:45 p.m.
“Due to the extent of the fire, a considerable amount of overhaul was required to find and extinguish the remaining smoldering areas and hidden fire,” he said.
Kirk said the fire was declared completely out around 8:45 p.m., and all fire units and personnel cleared the scene at 9:51 p.m. and were returned to service at 11 p.m.
“Both residences suffered extensive fire damage and were rendered uninhabitable,” he said. “The American Red Cross responded with a volunteer from Garden City to assist the displaced families with their initial needs. The passenger vehicle was also a total loss.”
Kirk said one firefighter was treated by Seward County EMS at the scene and released back to duty, and no other injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
“Fire investigators believe the fire started outside the original residence under a carport and grew undiscovered for a time,” he said. “The exact cause of ignition remains undetermined at this time.”
The Liberal Fire Department responded with 14 personnel, two engines, one squad truck and one vehicle. Other agencies assisting with the fire were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, the Liberal/Seward County Emergency Communications Center, Black Hills Energy, Southern Pioneer Electric, the Liberal Water Department and the American Red Cross.
