UPDATE: Saturday Morning Fire Causes Considerable Damage

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The Liberal Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire Saturday morning at 714 N. Sherman Avenue. The residence suffered significant fire, heat and smoke damage, but fortunately the lone occupant was away at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

The fire was reported by a passerby at 9:30 am. The first arriving fire units at 9:32 am reported heavy fire and smoke from the residence. Initial reports also indicated that the lone resident, an adult male was likely still inside the home. Firefighters were able to fight the fire from the exterior to knock down the main body of fire while search crews entered the rear of the residence to conduct a search for possible victims. After an initial search it was confirmed that the resident was not at home and that there were no occupants inside. The fire was declared under control at 9:49 am. However due to the extent and intensity of the fire, firefighters spent considerable effort locating and extinguishing hidden fire extension in the attic area and beneath a large portion of the siding and roof overhangs. Fire units cleared the scene at 12:44 pm. Also assisting at the scene of the fire were the Liberal Police Department and Seward County Sheriff’s Officers, Seward County EMS and American Red Cross personnel. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.