A rural Scottsbluff family of seven lost their home in a fire of undetermined origin Tuesday.
Scotts Bluff Rural Fire Chief Carissa Schank-Grubbs says her department was paged to the scene on Haig Road west of Scottsbluff, finding the two-story home about 75 percent involved.
Schank-Grubbs tells KNEB News mutual aid was requested from the Mitchell, Gering, Morrill and Lyman Fire Departments as wind drove the flames into the rest of the structure. Some 30 firefighters battled the blaze, with a response that included several water tenders and pumper trucks.
She says the fire was brought under control in a few hours, but firefighters did not clear the scene until shortly before 3 a.m. this morning.
No injuries to the occupants, however numerous pets including four dogs perished, and one firefighter was taken to Regional West for treatment of heat exhaustion and released.
Loss is estimated at about $1 million, including nearby structures and several vehicles including farm equipment that were parked near the home.
Firefighter Ministry has tended to the immediate needs of the family.
Additional responders at the scene included Regional West EMS, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s deputies and Scotts Bluff County Road and Bridge.
