Brown Co fire displaces family, leaves life-saving dog dead
01/16/2024

Tuesday morning house fire near Morrill ( Credit: Sabetha Fire Dept.)

(KNZA)--A Tuesday morning Brown County house fire northeast of Morrill led to hospital treatment for two residents, and for the Brown County Sheriff to put out the call seeking assistance for the displaced family who lost everything, including their life saving dog.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the fire was reported around 7:30 Tuesday morning northeast of Morrill, at 668 300th Road , with two people reported to be inside the home. However, with assistance, those two residents, Henry and Carolyn Allen, were able to escape the home, and were transported to Sabetha Community Hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The release says that Carolyn Allen, after her escape, said the family dog alerted them to the fire, attributing the dog's actions to what saved their lives. The dog, Merchant says, died in the fire.

The fire, which led to the house being declared a total loss, was battled in the frigid morning temperatures.

Now, Merchant is working to gain community assitance for the family, which he says lost all of their possessions, including their vehicle which had been parked next to the house when it caught fire.

He says monetary donations, or gift cards, are preferred, and are being accepted at his office, located at 709 Utah Street, in Hiawatha. Donations can also be arranged by calling 785-742-7125 or 785-284-1518.

Clothing will also be accepted, with men's large shirts, 40x30 pants, and 9-and-a-half sized shoes needed. Women's clothing, including medium shirts and pants, along with size 6 and-a-half shoes, is also needed.

Merchant calls the community support for the family "a start to helping them rebuild their lives."

A GoFundMe has also been started for the family. It can be found here.


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