ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

A local family is looking to rebuild after a structure fire that happened early Monday morning.

Emergency personnel were called to the scene shortly before 4 a.m. Monday, according to a release from Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk.

“At 3:59 a.m. Monday, Liberal firefighters were dispatched to 1126 Westhaven Drive for a reported structure fire with multiple vehicles involved.  First arriving emergency responders encountered a single-story residential home with heavy fire in the front porch, living room and attached garage,” Kirk noted in the release. “Two vehicles in the driveway were also burning. Law enforcement officers and neighbors were able to successfully alert the occupants of the home and help them to escape without injury.  However, the family’s dog remained trapped in the home.  Firefighters were able to locate and remove the pet, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. As the fire was being controlled it was discovered that it had also spread into the attic space.  Attempts to control the attic fire were initially unsuccessful until multiple roof openings were created to allow access to burning clothing and other items stored in the space.  The fire was declared under control at 5:13 a.m. The residence suffered extensive fire damage to the exterior, two interior rooms and the garage space. The remainder of the home suffered from smoke, heat and water damage. Both vehicles, a passenger car and SUV were a total loss. No damage to neighboring homes was reported at this time.”

The fire is being investigated in conjunction with Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators.  All fire department units and personnel were clear from the scene at approximately 2 p.m. Monday.

Liberal Fire responded with 22 personnel, two engines and two utility 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 and Southern Pioneer Electric. The American Red Cross responded to the scene and provided assistance to the family.

A GoFundMe account to help the family is also available at https://shorturl.at/vIHMZ.