Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 6315 40th Avenue. At the time of dispatch, KVFD was advised that the house was almost fully engulfed and that all occupants had safely evacuated. Upon arrival, KVFD observed a large house with heavy fire on the back side of the structure and fire coming from all roof vents. Crews deployed handlines to bring the fire under control. Mutual Aid was requested from Pleasanton, Elm Creek, and Gibbon Volunteer Fire Departments.
There were areas of the home that were inaccessible due to safety concerns. KVFD requested an excavator from the Buffalo County Department of Roads to assist with overhaul of the structure. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause is still under investigation.
However, the preliminary investigation indicates embers from a fire pit that was used just a couple hours prior to the fire blew against the home and ignited the back side of the house on fire. The wind and ventilation played a major factor in how quickly the fire spread through the home. At the time of the fire, the house was occupied by two adults, three children, and 1 dog. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the family displaced by this 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.
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.