ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal Fire Department was kept busy with a pair of fires on Christmas Eve last week.
The first incident was called in shortly after 11 p.m. last Wednesday, according to a release from Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk.
“At 11:10 p.m. last Wednesday, Liberal firefighters were dispatched to 115 Mesquite Lane for a confirmed working fire in the kitchen of a residence,” Kirk noted in the release. “First arriving units encountered a fully engulfed mobile home with fire showing from the doors and windows. A transitional attack was mounted with two hose lines and a deck gun master stream to protect the adjoining homes and attempt to darken the fire down. Water supply was readily available from a fire hydrant located immediately in front of the property. The mobile home fire was declared under control at 11:46 p.m. The residence is considered to be a total loss. The lone occupant at the time of the fire was able to escape unharmed. Despite the efforts of the occupant, law enforcement and fire responders two dogs perished in the fire. The American Red Cross was contacted and they responded to assist the occupant with shelter and immediate needs. Investigators determined an unattended cooking fire began on the stove top and quickly spread to the kitchen cabinets. As the fire progressed, one of two propane cylinders, being kept in the living room and rear bedroom to power radiant heaters, vented its contents through the relief valve. This propane release catastrophically spread the fire throughout the entire residence almost immediately. All units cleared the scene and returned to service at 1:15 a.m. Christmas Day.”
The Mesquite Lane call was just the first call of the night, Kirk noted in the release.
“Approximately the same time fire units were arriving at the scene of the Mesquite Lane mobile home fire, a second dispatch was received at 11:17 p.m. for a tractor-trailer unit with the rear duals on fire in the 300 block of E. Pancake Blvd.,” Kirk noted in the release. “This fire was responded to by three personnel who diverted from the structure fire. The fire was knocked down with a portable extinguisher and held in check until a reserve engine could arrive. The fire was fully extinguished and the brakes cooled. The semi was then able to be relocated off the roadway and fire units cleared this call at 11:51 p.m.”
The Liberal Fire Department responded with 15 personnel, two engines and two officer vehicles. Other agencies assisting were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Seward County Sheriff’s Office, Liberal/Seward County Communications Center, Black Hills Energy, Southern Pioneer Electric, Liberal Water Department, and the American Red Cross.
“Tragically, this fire serves as an opportunity to remind the community of the dangers of storing propane or other flammable gasses and liquids, such as gasoline, indoors,” Kirk noted in the release. “These liquids and gasses are often highly flammable when released from their containers. Additionally, many of them have vapors heavier than air. Any leaks or spills will produce vapors that can travel along the ground or floor. When they come into contact with an ignition source such as a pilot light, spark from electrical equipment or even static electricity they can ignite explosively. We urge you to take a moment to ensure that any propane bottles or gasoline cans in your possession are stored outside the home in a safe place. If you have any questions or wish to have additional information regarding safe use and storage of flammable materials please do not hesitate to contact the Liberal Fire Department. We can be reached at (620) 626-0128 or stop by the station 110 W. 15th Street, and we will be glad to assist.”
