Residential, Commercial Fires Keep Liberal Firefighters Busy

Liberal firefighters have been kept busy with two significant fires over the Christmas holiday weekend.

At 5:37 pm on Thursday 24^th, Liberal firefighters were paged to a residential fire with occupants possibly still inside at 204 S. Cain Ave.

The first fire units arrived on scene at 5:42 pm to find heavy smoke from the second floor of the residence. All occupants had safely evacuated prior to fire department arrival. However, a family pet perished in the fire. Firefighters made entry and were met with heavy smoke and high heat conditions at the top of the stairs. They were able to knock down the fire and begin searching for the pet which was finally located in the room of fire origin. The fire was declared under control at 6:03 pm. One female occupant of the residence was evaluated by Seward County EMS at the scene for smoke inhalation and no additional injuries were reported.

The Liberal Fire Department responded with a total of 15 personnel. Also responding and assisting at the fire were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS and American Red Cross.

The home suffered extensive fire damage to the upstairs area. The rest of the home sustained heat, smoke and water damage. The fire originated in the attic area and an adjoining bedroom. The fire is believed to be accidental in nature and attributed to an electrical short or malfunction.

All fire units were clear of the scene at 7:52 pm and were fully back in service at 8:23 pm.

Again at 2:17 pm on Saturday 26^th, Liberal firefighters were paged to an unknown type of fire at Big Bites Mexican Grill at 720 N. Kansas Ave.

The first fire units arrived on scene at 2:19 pm and reported smoke from the roof of the business. The business was closed at the time of the fire. Firefighters made entry and were met with heavy smoke conditions throughout the building. The fire was located in the kitchen area of the restaurant. The fire was declared under control in approximately 30 minutes.

The Liberal Fire Department responded with a total of 13 personnel. Also responding to the fire were the Liberal Police Department and Seward County EMS.

The business suffered extensive fire damage to the kitchen and dining area. The fire is believed to be accidental in nature. The area of origin has been determined however the cause is undetermined and will remain under investigation.

All fire units were clear of the scene at 4:15 pm and were fully back in service at 4:44 pm.