Oct 03, 2023

Cause of deadly SW Kansas house fire still under investigation

Posted Oct 03, 2023 10:30 AM

FINNEY COUNTY —Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas, according to Fire Chief Gene Robertson.

Just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, fire crews were dispatched to the report house fire with possible trapped individuals at 613 N. 9th Street, Garden City, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found a multi-story residence with heavy fire and visible smoke. Firefighters made contact with three victims in the front yard who alerted them of additional victims inside.

Personnel entered the house to begin fire attack and search and rescue, and were met with heavy fire and intense heat. During the search, personnel located two additional victims. After retrieving them from the home, fire personnel were joined by EMS to begin life-saving measures.

The victims were loaded into ambulances and care was transferred to EMS. Just before 3a.m., the City of Holcomb Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid. Personnel reentered the residence to complete the primary search and fire attack.

Additional fire was located in the attic and extinguished. The fire was called under control at 3:22 a.m. and turned over to Garden City Fire Investigators.

As a result of the fire, two victims died, three victims were treated for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

The Garden City Fire Department and the Garden City Police Department are conducting a joint investigation, which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is assisting with the investigation. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.