At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 25, the Great Bend Fire Department "C" shift responded to a structure fire in the 800 block of Stone Street.
Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from the second story of the residence. No one was home at the time of the fire. Off duty fire crews were called in to assist with the fire.
Fire crews remained on scene for approximately two hours. No one was injured in the fire. Two pet tortoises were lost as a result from the fire. The cause of the fire appears to be accidental and caused in excess of $50,000 in damages.
The Great Bend Fire Department was assisted by Great Bend Police Department, Great Bend Water Department, Kansas Gas Service and Wheatland Electric.