At 1:36 am Sunday Liberal fire units were dispatched to 121 S. Grant Avenue for a reported structure fire. The reporting party advised that there were heavy flames visible from the front door of the residence.
At 1:40 am first arriving law enforcement and fire units found a residential duplex with heavy fire involving the south apartment. Occupants of the north apartment were in the process of self-evacuating and the status of the occupants of the south apartment were unknown.
Firefighters were able to initiate an exterior attack and knock down the main body of fire in order to protect the escape path from the north apartment. Entry was made and a search of the south apartment confirmed that it was unoccupied. The remaining fire was extinguished and firefighters opened areas of the walls and ceiling to check for extension into the attic and adjoining apartment. The fire was declared under control at 1:49 am.
The south half of the duplex suffered extensive fire, smoke and water damage. The damage to the north half is limited to smoke damage. All utilities to the building were secured and the entire residence is currently uninhabitable. All occupants were able to safely evacuate and no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. All units were clear of the scene and returned to service at 4:45 am.
Liberal Fire responded with sixteen personnel, two engines & two support / chief officer vehicles. Other agencies assisting with the fire are the Liberal Police Department, Southern Pioneer Electric, Black Hills Energy, Liberal Water & Building Departments and the Liberal / Seward County Emergency Communications Center.
