Fatality Fire In Kearney Sunday

(Kearney, NE) - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a residence at 1212 B Avenue at 3:29 am on Sunday, January 14th. Before the arrival of KVFD, a Kearney Police Officer advised that there was heavy smoke coming from the structure and a window had broken. Dispatch also advised that they could not confirm if there were occupants in the home or not. Upon arrival, KVFD initiated a fire attack and a primary search of the structure. A short time later, firefighters located and removed one occupant from the structure. CHI Good Samaritan EMS received the patient just outside of the structure and began a patient assessment. The occupant, an adult female, was pronounced deceased a short time thereafter. KVFD members continued the fire attack and a search of the structure. The fire was extinguished and no additional occupants were located during the search.
KVFD was assisted by the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, Kearney Police Department, Nebraska Public Power District, and Northwestern Energy.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was called to assist KVFD with the origin and cause investigation. The fire remains under investigation. However, the initial investigation indicates the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical event inside of the structure. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim.