By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Following a pair of structure fires at separate locations, the City of Great Bend is moving forward with tearing down the unsafe houses.
In June 2024, a fire occurred at a mobile home at 201 Walnut Street. City Administrator Logan Burns said half of the structure is missing due to the fire and the remaining interior of the mobile home suffered severe smoke and fire damage.
"In January, Matt (Schafer, Building Official) conducted a follow-up inspection after several failed attempts to contact the owner," said Burns. "The portions of the house with fire damage have now collapsed on itself and there are piles of charred lumber around the exterior. The house remains unsecured from entry."
Burns noted there is a similar dangerous building at 218 Pine Street.
"In February 2025, a structure fire occurred at a single-family dwelling located at 218 Pine," said Burns. "The entire structure sustained significant fire damage and much of the roof structure has collapsed. There are no longer any doors or windows on the structure."
The Great Bend City Council approved public hearings for both properties for May 5 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Property owners have until then to repair or remove the damage themselves before the city council votes on whether to demolish the structure.