A family of six that had recently moved into a house in Terrytown lost their home to fire Thursday afternoon.
Firefighters from Scottsbluff Rural Fire were called to a reported garage fire at 24 Michael Street at 12:43 p.m., and were advised enroute by Gering Police the home was fully involved.
Scottsbluff Rural Fire Assistant Chief Carissa Schank tells KNEB News mutual aid was requested immediately from the City of Scottsbluff, as gusty winds threatened to drive flames to nearby homes.
Schank says only one of the family members was home at the time, and was able to escape safely with a family pet.
Crews from the two departments were able to knock down the blaze about half an hour after arrival, but did not clear the scene until four hours after the initial call.
Schank says the State Fire Marshal’s Office was responding from Grand Island to determine the cause of the blaze and official damage figure, but considering the extent of damage, the home was likely a total loss.
Firefighter Ministry was on scene to provide immediate assistance to the family of two adults and six children, including clothing and food vouchers and lodging for at least a week.
No injuries were reported among first responders, which included Scottsbluff Police and Valley Ambulance.
