Clay Center, Neb. — A house fire was reported at 12:02 a.m. to the Clay County 911 Center in Clay Center that caused significant damage to the home, but the 74-year-old male and female owners of the home, their 18-year-old grandson and two dogs were evacuated without injury. The fire was reported by a person walking in the area, who also contacted the occupants helping them evacuate.
Clay County Sheriff’s Deputies responded with Clay Center Fire units. First units on scene reported seeing active fire on the east side of the house. They observed flames burning out of the roof of the home. Fairfield, Sutton, and Harvard were paged to respond as mutual aid. Clay Center EMS responded to the scene as well.
Clay Center Fire Chief Tom Roemmich and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and protect a majority of the home’s structure. There was smoke and water damage to the house, and the east end of the home was heavily damaged by fire. The fire was reported extinguished at 12:42 a.m.
Neighbors and friends are helping support the residents as it will be a period of time before they can live in their home again. The American Red Cross from Grand Island was contacted and are aiding the family as well. Edgar Fire responded with the county’s light tower and set it up to assist with visibility and safety. Black Hills Energy and South Central Public Power District personnel responded to the scene and secured the utilities. The Nebraska Fire Marshal sent an Investigator to determine origin and cause of the fire.
