At 7:15 pm Saturday Liberal firefighters were dispatched to 204 Academy Avenue for a report of a well involved house fire with a male subject entering the home and removing belongings.

The first arriving fire & law enforcement personnel encountered a fully engulfed home and passenger vehicle at 204 Academy. Additionally, the fire had spread to the south and was burning in the interior and attic of 208 Academy. Bystanders also reported that two dogs were kenneled in the rear bedroom of that address.

Simultaneously, an interior attack was initiated in the south residence, while a defensive attack was made on the north residence and vehicle fires. Both dogs were quickly located and safely removed from the home. As the firefighting efforts were underway the situation was complicated by a severe thunderstorm, high winds and hail. The fire was declared under control at 7:45 pm. Due to the extent of the fire, a considerable amount of overhaul was required to find and extinguish the remaining smoldering areas and hidden fire. The fire was declared completely out at approximately 8:45 pm. All fire units and personnel cleared the scene at 9:51 pm and were returned to service at 10:59 pm.

Both residences suffered extensive fire damage and were rendered uninhabitable. The American Red Cross responded with a volunteer from Garden City to assist the displaced families with their initial needs. The passenger vehicle was also a total loss. One firefighter was treated by Seward County EMS at the scene and released back to duty. No other injuries were reported as a result of the fire. Fire investigators believe that the fire started outside the original residence under a carport and grew undiscovered for a time. The exact cause of ignition remains undetermined at this time.

Liberal Fire responded with fourteen personnel, two engines, one squad truck & one officer vehicle. Other agencies assisting with the fire were: Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Liberal / Seward County Emergency Communications Center, Black Hills Energy, Southern Pioneer Electric, Liberal Water Department and the American Red Cross.