Embers from a fire pit – that were likely reignited by the wind – caused a fire near Ark City Wednesday afternoon that left a home with extensive damage.
Just before 1 p.m., Ark City Fire-EMS was dispatched to Edgewood Lane, in the Crestwood development east of Ark City, for the report of a fire. Crews found fire burning at the rear of the home that had already spread into the attic area.
The fire was determined to be accidental in nature and appeared to have started in a fire pit in the home’s patio, according to AC fire marshal Gary Bowker. Residents of the home believed the fire in the fire pit – which had been in use in the morning – had been fully extinguished. Flames spread to a nearby Jacuzzi tub, dry grass, and eventually the home’s exterior.
All occupants of the home were able to escape without injury, but one pet was lost in the fire.
Despite dry and windy conditions, firefighters worked to contain the blaze. However, the structure sustained severe damage and is likely to be declared a total loss, fire officials said.