A destructive house fire has been considered incendiary after hurting two firefighters and killing several pets Wednesday.
Numerous area fire departments responded to 406 State just before 11 am after an initial report of a tree fire rapidly turned into a structure fire. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Tony Fuller says there were flames in the south yard of the house as well as flames climbing one side of the house.
Firefighters used a defensive attack, according to Chief Brandon Beck on scene, using water at several levels to eventually contain the fire. At the same time, electricity and gas were turned off. Fuller says there was no gas service to the house, but the gas line was compromised due to the heat so that line had to be disconnected.
Fuller says two firefighters were hurt during the incident. Names, departments and injury extent have not been released. One cat died and one dog was evacuated. Two cats and two dogs are presumed dead.
Portions of walls at 406 State were left standing. Fuller says there was light damage to the structure immediately to the south.
Fuller says it appears the fire started outside the house. What led to the determination of an incendiary start has not been announced.
The property owner is Max Burnham. The resident is John Metcalf.
Besides Emporia, emergency response came in from Americus, Allen-Admire, Hartford-Neosho Rapids and Reading fire departments, as well as Emporia Police, Evergy, Kansas Gas and Emporia Public Works.
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12:45 pm Wednesday: House destroyed by fire in central Emporia on Wednesday
Investigative work is underway after a destructive fire in central Emporia on Wednesday.
Firefighters were dispatched to 406 State just before 11 am. The initial call involved a tree fire before transitioning to a structure fire within a few minutes of the original dispatch. Fire was evident at ground level and near the roof when KVOE News arrived shortly after 11:10 am, and the roof fire redeveloped shortly before noon. Portions of walls were left standing as firefighters contained the incident to the house.
Fire Chief Brandon Beck says there were no initial indications the fire spread to any nearby structures, with a home to the north and a duplex immediately south of the affected house. All people inside the home were out when firefighters arrived.
The response and resulting investigation closed Fourth from State to Congress and State from Fourth to Fifth. Additional details are currently pending.
11 am Wednesday: Structure fire reported in central Emporia
Emporia Fire is on the scene of a reported structure fire.
Crews were called to 406 State just before 11 am. Initially, the call was for a tree fire, but follow-up reports indicated a nearby structure had caught fire.
Additional details are pending. KVOE and KVOE.com will have updates.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
