Quick thinking by a pre-teenager saved three kids from possibly being seriously hurt or killed by a house fire that developed Friday.
Chase County Sheriff Richard Dorneker says he was advised of a structure fire at 2546 240th Road, almost exactly between Emporia and Strong City, shortly before 12:30 pm.
Three children, ages 4, 11 and 12, were inside when the fire developed. Dorneker says the 4-year-old got a lighter, went upstairs to the second floor and tried unsuccessfully to put an insect on fire. That’s when the 12-year-old got the others out of the house and called 911.
Dorneker says there was extensive fire damage to the second floor. There was also smoke and water damage throughout the house, which is owned by Tex and Mary Benjamin.
Chase County Fire, Chase County deputies and Emporia Fire worked together to get the fire out.
5 pm Friday: Youngsters escape harm after fire develops at rural Chase County home
A Chase County family does not have a home after fire Friday afternoon, but at least everybody inside got out safely.
Chase County Sheriff Richard Dorneker says he was advised of a structure fire at 2546 240th Road, almost exactly between Emporia and Strong City, shortly before 12:30 pm. The house of Tex and Mary Benjamin was reported as fully engulfed in flames.
Three children, ages 4, 11 and 12, were inside when the fire developed. Dorneker says the 4-year-old got a lighter, went upstairs to the second floor and tried unsuccessfully to put an insect on fire, instead catching other unspecified items on fire.
The 12-year-old sent the others out of the house before calling 911. All three were unhurt.
Dorneker says there was extensive fire damage to the second floor. There was also smoke and water damage throughout the house.
Emporia Fire helped as mutual aid. Dorneker credited the 12-year-old for his quick thinking and level head for ensuring the situation did not turn out worse than it did.
