Special to the Leader & Times
At 5:38 p.m. Tuesday, Liberal firefighters were dispatched to 2421 Lilac Drive for a reported vehicle on fire in the driveway with potential exposure to the residence.
First arriving units encountered a pickup truck with a fully involved engine compartment near the residence. As firefighters began extinguishing the fire it intensified significantly due to an unknown fuel leak under the truck. Firefighters then focused on protecting the residence until the fuel fire could be controlled with a Class “B” extinguisher and one additional hose line. Once the fire was extinguished the home was checked for any possible extension into the attic space and the fuel spill was treated with an emulsifier to prevent ignition. The fire was declared under control at 6:14 p.m.
The residence suffered damage to the eave and siding. The pickup truck was a total loss. The exact source of ignition has not been determined.
The Liberal Fire Department responded with 12 personnel and three engines. All units had cleared the scene and returned to service at 7:40 p.m.
