(KAIR)--The Atchison Fire Department received a report of visible smoke and fire coming from a structure located at 709 Washington just after 6:00 last (Sunday) night. Upon arrival, crews did encounter heavy smoke and fire coming from the single story structure. Atchison Fire Chief Mike McDermed says the home was vacant, and all utilities had been shut off. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze in about a hour.
McDermed adds that while the investigation is just getting started, it is possible that the fire did not start on its own. Since there were no utilities connected to the home, that possibility has been ruled out. There have been reports from residents in the area that there has been some transient individuals in the area, as well as some incidents of vanalism taking place, so investigators are looking into the possibility of someone setting a fire in the home to keep warm on a very cold night.
The total amount of damage to the structure is unknown at the this time, though McDermed says there was significant damage to the rear and attic areas.
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