KEARNEY — An unattended candle is thought to be the cause of a fire that occurred at the Centennial Park Apartments during the morning hours of Tuesday, Jan. 16.
At 8:19 a.m., the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 1000 4th Avenue for the report of smoke coming from an apartment building.
On arrival, KVFD found heavy smoke and flames coming from the window of a second story apartment. Firefighters initiated a fire attack and a primary search of the structure.
Not only did first responders have to battle the fire, but a Wind Chill Warning was also still in place across central Nebraska. The actual air temperature at the time of the fire was – 9 degrees, wind the wind chill was – 26.
The fire was extinguished, and no occupants were located during the search. There had been three occupants in the apartment at the time of the fire but had all evacuated prior to KVFD’s arrival.
One of the occupants had attempted to put the fire out but had to exit due to the expanding fire.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was called to assist KVFD with the origin and cause investigation.
While the fire remains under investigation, it is believed that the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle.
Around 10 people were displaced due to the fire and the Red Cross was contacted to assist those who were displaced.
KVFD was assisted on scene by the Kearney Police Department, CHI Good Samaritan EMS, Nebraska Public Power District and Northwestern Energy.
