The fire that destroyed a three-story residence in Strong City on Sunday has been ruled accidental.
According to Chase County Fire Chief Steve Fillmore, an investigation by the Office of the Kansas Fire Marshall revealed the fire began on the southwest corner of the structure and was deemed to be accidental in nature. Fillmore told KVOE News Sunday that initial indications were that a debris pile that reignited may have been the direct cause; however, he did not confirm that to KVOE News in the most recent update.
The fire did draw a heavy response from area fire departments from Lyon County, Cedar Point, Strong City, Cottonwood Falls, Matfield Green, Dunlap and Council Grove. It also led to residents in Strong City and Cottonwood Falls and customers of Chase County Rural Water District #1 being asked to conserve water, a request that was lifted Monday morning.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident and the fire did not spread to any adjacent structures.
