(KAIR)--Two recent residential fires sent Atchison firefighters rushing to the scene, with no injuries reported in either incident.
Interim Fire Chief Ted Graf says the first fire happened early Saturday morning. “At 1:26 AM, we were dispatched to 1026 Santa Fe Street,” Graf tells MSC News. “Upon arrival, the crew noticed light smoke coming from the roof area. Upon entry, they found a fire was initially confined to the attic space. The fire was extinguished rather rapidly and the fire was under control within about 15 to 20 minutes. The damage to the house was confined to the upper section of the house, top floor, in the attic area.”
According to Graf, the residents of the home had managed to escape prior to the arrival of the fire crews. “It was reported that the occupants had awoke and smelled the smoke, and had initially, possibly, tried to self extinguish the fire. However, their efforts failed [and] they exited the home, called 911.”
The second, more substantial blaze, broke out Monday afternoon around 3:00 at a residence on the north side of Atchison. “Fire crews were dispatched to 1311 Division Street,” Graf says. “Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were coming from the second story of the residence. Upon entry on the second floor, firefighters encountered heavy smoke, high heat, and some pretty aggressive fire in a bedroom area. The fire was extinguished in that area. It was confined to the room of origin, however there was considerable heat and smoke damage throughout the second story of the residence as well as some smoke and water damage in the main story of the residence.”
Graf says the residents were able to escape unharmed. “There were three people at home at the time. They were all evacuated. The family also had numerous household pets. All were accounted for except for two cats. All utilities were shut off and the family is currently displaced and they're receiving aid from the Red Cross.”
The cause of the two fires remains undetermined, with the investigation continuing.
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