The remains of the home on 40th Ave. that was destroyed after a fire on July 1, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Embers from a smoldering fire pit were determined to be the cause of a structure fire that destroyed a home located on 40th Avenue during the early morning hours of Monday, July 1.
The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 2:22 a.m. to a structure fire located at 6315 40th Ave. At the time of dispatch, it was reported that the house was almost fully engulfed, and all occupants had safely evacuated.
Arriving at the scene, KVFD firefighters observed a large house with a heavy fire on the backside of the structure and fire coming from all roof vents. Crews deployed hand lines to bring the fire under control.
Mutual aid was requested from the Pleasanton, Elm Creek and Gibbon fire departments.
It was determined that areas of the home were inaccessible due to safety concerns and an excavator from the Buffalo County Department of Roads to assist with the overhaul of the structure.
According to the preliminary investigation, embers from a fire pit that was in use a couple of hours prior to the fire blew against the side of the house.
The wind ventilation played a major factor in how quickly the fire spread through the home.
Per KVFD, at the time of the fire, the house was occupied by two adults, three children and one dog. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the family displaced by the fire.
Other agencies that assisted were the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Northwestern Energy, Black Hills Energy and Dawson Public Power District.
“KVFD has responded to multiple fires this weekend, so as a reminder, KVFD reminds everyone to use extreme caution when utilizing fire pits and fireworks. Never leave a fire pit unattended, and we recommend placing ashes and discarded fireworks into a metal bucket full of water to ensure they are fully extinguished,” the KVFD stated.
The ongoing house fire in northwest Kearney early Monday morning, (Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Courtesy)
