Fire caused significant damage to the front half of a house in north-central Emporia on Saturday.
Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Eron Steinlage says a cigarette started leaves on fire near the front porch. The blaze then engulfed the porch from the ground to the eaves. Steinlage says it also extended inside to the living room and a bedroom, causing an estimated $40,000 worth of damage.
The fire was reported around 11:20 am. Nobody was home when the fire developed. Three dogs were rescued and were considered OK afterward.
Lyon County records show the house is owned by Emily Torres.
12:30 pm Saturday: Several pets rescued from fire at Emporia home
Emporia firefighters battled a damaging house fire Saturday.
The fire at 1219 Walnut caused apparently significant damage to the front of the house. Battalion Chief Eron Steinlage says there were two bits of good news:
Traffic was blocked on Walnut from 12th to 13th. Twelfth Avenue traffic was detoured at Lawrence and Walnut as firefighters continued their work.
The cause and origination point are currently undetermined. Steinlage says there was some extension to the interior, but the full extent is currently unclear.
Photos by Lance Moore and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}Walnut Street House Fire March 23 2019{/gallery}
