At 3:53 AM this morning, the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 1916 3rd Avenue for a report of a structure fire, with all occupants out of the home. KVFD responded with 3 apparatus and 25 firefighters.

Upon arrival, there was active fire on the southwest corner of the structure, with heavy smoke pushing from the front door and eaves of the home.

KVFD crews initiated fire attack and primary search operations. The interior crew faced heavy fire conditions when they entered the structure. The scene was called under control at 4:25 AM.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal and the Kearney Police Department were requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The structure is uninhabitable due to extensive fire and smoke damage. There was one occupant, two dogs, & one cat in the structure at the time of the fire. All were able to evacuate the structure prior to the fire departments arrival.

There were no injuries reported during the incident. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced resident.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Other agencies who assisted at the scene were CHI Health Good Samaritan EMS, Nebraska Public Power District, & NorthWestern Energy.