At 1:48 pm Sunday, Liberal Firefighters were dispatched to 405 Fairway Drive for a report of a grill on fire next to the residence.
The first arriving law enforcement officers reported heavy, dense smoke and that the residence was on fire as well. They additionally reported a male subject yelling from inside the residence. Officers were able to get the lone occupant out of the home with two dogs without injury.
First arriving fire units simultaneously laid in a hydrant line, deployed a 2 ½ “ line to the rear of the home to try and knock down the large body of fire on the patio / deck area and deployed a 1 ¾” line to the front door to try and hold the fire and prevent it from spreading to the interior of the home.
The fire quickly burned through the eaves of the home and took control of the attic. As it vented through the roof and the glass doors on the patio failed, firefighters were forced to transition to a defensive attack. The focus centered on knocking down the fire from the exterior while providing adequate protection for the adjoining properties. At this point a mutual aid request was placed to Seward County Fire Department and the Liberal FD aerial platform was brought to the scene. A second water supply was hand-laid from the hospital property through a drainage easement to supply the ladder truck. The fire was declared under control after approximately 1 ½ hours. Firefighters remained on scene until 6:22 pm working to overhaul hot spots and hidden fire in a structurally compromised residence. Further complicating the efforts were the high heat conditions taking a toll on personnel. Firefighters are also looking into the possibility of minor damage to two adjoining residences due to burning embers carried on the wind and thermal currents.
The home is considered a total loss. The lone occupant at the time of the fire and two dogs were able to escape unharmed, however a pet reptile perished in the fire. One firefighter was evaluated and released at the scene by Seward County EMS for heat illness and one firefighter suffered a minor burn to his neck area.
Liberal Fire responded with a total of 18 personnel, two engines, one ladder truck and four support / chief officer vehicles. The Seward County Fire Department responded with 7 personnel, one engine, one water tender and two chief officer vehicles. Other agencies also assisting with the fire are the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Liberal / Seward County Communications Center, Black Hills Energy & Southern Pioneer Electric. The American Red Cross was called to assist the occupants of the home with their loss.
Additionally, in this instance recognition and thanks must be given to neighbors, employees of SWMC and various members of the community who delivered water and supplies to support the responders on the scene of this fire. It would be impossible to name them all but please know that your contribution to the outcome of this incident was greatly appreciated.
