At 4:47 pm Friday, Liberal firefighters were dispatched to 213 W. Curtis St. for a reported house fire with unknown occupants.

The first arriving fire & law enforcement personnel encountered a two-story residence with heavy smoke issuing from the entire structure. Neighbors to the residence advised they believed the home to be vacant.

Firefighters made entry and extinguished a significant fire on the first floor. As the home was ventilated, it was discovered that the fire had spread to both the space between the first and second floors and also to the attic space surrounding the upstairs room. As the void spaces were opened, the remaining active fire was extinguished. The fire was declared under control at 5:22 pm. Due to the extent of the fire, a considerable amount of overhaul was required to find and extinguish the remaining smoldering areas and structural members. The fire was declared completely out at 5:55 pm. All fire units and personnel were returned to service at approximately 8:15 pm.

The residence suffered significant fire, smoke and water damage throughout. Fire investigators have determined the probable area of origin; however, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Liberal Fire responded with eighteen personnel, two engines and four utility & chief officer vehicles. Other agencies assisting with the fire are the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Liberal / Seward County Emergency Communications Center, Black Hills Energy and Southern Pioneer Electric.