KEARNEY — The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to 520 W. 25th Street for the report of a structure fire with people trapped on the roof.  

Upon arrival, KVFD established command and the incident commander confirmed that all occupants were out of the structure and no longer on the roof.  KVFD crews initiated fire suppression and primary search operations.  No additional occupants were located in the structure.  The occupants had jumped from the roof prior to KVFD’s arrival.  The occupants were evaluated by EMS for minor injuries.  Neither required transport.  

The fire also damaged the adjacent structure and property located at 512 W. 25th Street. The fire was brought under control in approximately 45 minutes.  

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was requested to assist in the fire origin and cause investigation.  The fire is still under investigation.  However, the initial results of the investigation indicate the fire likely started due to improper disposal of smoking materials.  

Other agencies assisting were the Kearney Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Northwestern Energy, and Nebraska Public Power District.