ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
The exact area of origin and cause of a fire at a Liberal business Sunday night has yet to be determined, as investigations began Monday.
Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk said in a press release, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Sunday, firefighters were dispatched to the 400 block of South Kansas Avenue for a confirmed fire with flames visible.
“The exact location and nature of the fire was not known due to a language barrier with the 911 caller,” he said. “First arriving law enforcement units advised the fire involved the business at 432 S. Kansas, and heavy fire was visible in the front of the building.”
Kirk said the first arriving engine at 8:24 p.m. deployed two handlines and began attacking the fire through the vented windows while forcing entry to the main door.
“As firefighters began to make the entry, the ceiling and roof at the east end of the business collapsed onto the sales floor,” he said. “At this point, the fire tactics transitioned to a defensive attack to try and get control of the fire, and mutual aid was requested from the Seward County Fire Department.”
Kirk said several factors hindered firefighting efforts.
“Following the roof collapse, a rooftop air handling unit and structural members blocked the main entrance into the business and posed a continuing collapse risk,” he said. “The only remaining access consisted of single reinforced steel doors on the south and west sides and a drive through window on the north side.”
Kirk said the heavy smoke conditions dictated only personnel on breathing air could operate on the south and west sides.
“The fire had spread throughout the attic area and quickly began venting through the roof,” he said. “At this time, the decision to withdraw all personnel from the building was made and elevated master streams from two ladder trucks were deployed.”
Kirk said these operations were continued until the fire was declared under control shortly after midnight Monday morning. He added the building and its contents are expected to be a total loss.
“It is also believed one pet belonging to the business owners perished in the fire,” he said. “Seward County EMS provided medical monitoring for firefighters on scene throughout the incident.”
Kirk said one firefighter sustained a hand injury and was transported to the Southwest Medical Center emergency room for treatment.
“Fire crews remained on scene throughout the night maintaining scene security as well as monitoring and extinguishing flare ups,” he said. “Several areas continue to smolder until safe access can be gained to complete the extinguishment.”
Kirk said investigation of the fire began Monday, and at that time, the exact area of origin and cause have not been determined.
The Liberal Fire Department responded with 23 personnel, three engines one areal and two officer vehicles, and the SCFD responded with six personnel, one engine, one aerial and two officer vehicles.
Other agencies assisting at the scene were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Seward County Sheriff’s office, Liberal/Seward County Communications Center, Black Hills Energy, Southern Pioneer Electric, the Liberal Building Department and the Liberal Water Department.
