Kearney, Neb. — The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to 61 Villa Drive #19 for the report of smoke coming from the bedroom of an apartment. Dispatch advised that noone would answer the door so it was unknown if there were any occupants inside.

Upon arrival KVFD established command and crews began offensive fire attack search
operations. KVFD crews entered the structure and found fire coming from the kitchen area of the apartment. The fire was extinguished as crews searched the rest of the apartment. The apartment was found to be unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Fire damage was limited to the apartment of origin. The fire cause and origin investigation determined the fire was caused by unattended items left on a stove. The apartment was determined to be unoccupiable due to the extinsive smoke and fire damage.

The property manager was working to find an alternative living space for the displaced occupant. No injuries were reported.

Other agencies assisting at the scene were the Kearney Police Department, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, NPPD, and Northwestern Energy.