An investigation continues into Thursday’s damaging house fire at 410 Rural in Emporia — and the investigation won’t be done until the weekend at the earliest.
Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Tony Fuller says crews from Emporia and Americus noticed moderate smoke and flames when they arrived shortly before 4:30 pm, referencing KVOE video posted online.
Besides the damage inside, the fire also melted some siding on the house immediately to the north.
Firefighters resumed their investigation shortly after sunrise Friday after over five hours of investigative work Thursday.
The cause hasn’t been determined, and Fuller says it may be Saturday or even early next week before the investigation is complete.
All people inside the home at the time of the fire got out safely. Fuller says a dog was found during a primary search. Firefighters performed canine CPR but the dog died. The whereabouts of a cat possibly inside the home at the time of the fire are unclear after two searches.
11 pm Thursday: Cause of Emporia house fire under investigation; dog killed in fire
On Friday, Emporia Fire will continue its investigation into Thursday’s fire near Fourth and Rural.
Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Tony Fuller says crews from Emporia and Americus noticed moderate smoke and flames when they arrived at 410 Rural shortly before 4:30 pm. The main fire was knocked down in relatively short order, but the resulting investigation was halted shortly before 10 pm. Early indications are the fire started in a back bedroom, although the cause hasn’t been determined, and led to extensive damage throughout the house.
All people inside the home at the time of the fire got out safely. Fuller says a dog was found during a primary search. Firefighters performed canine CPR but the dog died. The whereabouts of a cat possibly inside the home at the time of the fire are unclear.
The home is owned by Jesus and Maria Salomon.
5:45 pm Thursday: Investigation underway after fire in 400 block of Rural
Emporia Fire is investigating after a damaging house fire west of the downtown area.
Emporia and Americus firefighters were toned out to 410 Rural around 4:20 pm. The main fire was controlled quickly, although firefighters spent time checking for hot spots throughout the home.
There is currently no word of injuries to people, but one dog died at the scene. Word on a cause and origination point are pending.
Rural Street has been blocked between Fourth and Fifth since firefighters and Emporia Police arrived on scene.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
4:40 pm: Emporia Fire battling structure fire in 400 block of Rural
Emporia Fire crews are at the scene of a structure fire in the 400 block of Rural Street Thursday afternoon.
The fire was reported around 4:20 pm Thursday at 410 Rural Street. KVOE News observed flames coming from the residence shortly after arriving just before 4:30 pm, however, EFD had the flames quelled shortly thereafter.
Heavy smoke was still coming from the home shortly after the flames were extinguished as firefighters continued searching for additional hotspots.
Traffic is currently blocked in the 400 block of Rural from 4th to 5th. We’ll have more updates on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media as they become available.
