An investigation is underway; however, the cause of a destructive structure fire in Strong City Sunday appears to have been accidental in nature.
According to Chase County Fire Chief Steve Fillmore, the fire, which was reported “shortly after noon” at 519 Cottonwood Street, may have been the result of a debris pile that rekindled overnight. That said, an investigation by the Office of the Kansas Fire Marshall is underway to confirm the cause.
Fillmore tells KVOE News the fire destroyed the three-story home at the address, but no injuries were reported.
The fire required a heavy response from firefighters in Strong City, Cedar Point, Council Grove, Dunlap and Emporia and has led the City of Strong City to request residents in Strong City and Cottonwood Falls as well as customers of Rural Water District #1 to conserve water until further notice.
KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media will have additional updates as they are made available.
3:35 pm Sunday
Chase County residents are being asked to conserve water at this time following a recent structure fire.
The fire occurred at 519 Cottonwood Street in Strong City just after noon on Sunday. Several area fire crews were called in as mutual aid, including Emporia Fire, before 12:50 pm.
Full details are currently pending, including the size of the fire, a damage estimate and word on any possible injuries.
In addition to Emporia Fire, crews from Strong City, Cedar Point, Council Grove and Dunlap assisted. After the situation was resolved, the City of Strong City posted on its official Facebook page that Chase County and the Public Wholesale Water Supply District #26 are asking residents of Strong City, Cottonwood Falls and Chase County Rural Water District #1 to conserve water at this time as a result of the firefighting effort.
KVOE News will share additional details as they become available.
