At 3:52 pm Sunday the Liberal Fire Department was dispatched to 1019 N. Pershing for a report of a
residential structure fire. Information given was that the caller reported a fire in the front area of the
home. The first arriving responder was a Sheriff’s Deputy who located and extinguished a small fire that
was spreading to the wooden siding of the home. Fire units arriving on scene removed a small area of
siding and insulation to expose and extinguish smoldering areas of the structural members. The home
sustained only minor fire damage and all units were clear of the scene at 4:22 pm.
The department was again dispatched at 12:10 am Monday morning to 2641 Long Avenue for a report of
a fully engulfed mobile home. On arrival firefighters encountered a double-wide mobile home with heavy
fire throughout the structure. They were informed that a male and female occupant had escaped the fire
and rescued three of four family dogs as well. The occupants of the home were treated and released at the
scene by Seward County EMS.
Initial firefighting efforts were to protect the homes on both sides of the involved structure while
simultaneously working to control the main body of the fire. The fire was declared under control at 1:25
am.
Once the fire was out personnel conducted a thorough search of the residence for the missing pet. This
was hindered by heavy fire damage, the instability of the structure and the floor being burned away in a
large portion of the home. The missing pet was found to be deceased and removed from the home.
The home was a total loss. The fire is believed to have originated outside of the home in the area of the
covered porch / deck. It quickly spread into and underneath the home and is believed to be accidental in
nature.
Liberal Fire responded with a total of 12 personnel, two engines and three support and chief officer
vehicles. Agencies also assisting at the scene were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County
Sheriff’s Office, Seward County EMS, Southern Pioneer Electric, Black Hills Energy & Liberal Water
Department.
