The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department responded to a residential structure fire Sunday evening in the 700 block of South C Street.
Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:35 p.m., with additional assistance from Winfield Fire/EMS and the Udall Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story wood-frame home with visible flames coming from the southeast corner of the first floor and heavy smoke on the second floor. Firefighters entered the residence, confirmed all occupants had safely exited and brought the fire under control.
The fire originated on a stovetop after a burner was accidentally left on. No injuries were reported. The blaze caused an estimated $25,000 in structural damage and $15,000 in contents damage, with significant fire damage to several first-floor rooms and smoke damage throughout the home.
Fire Marshal Gary Bowker said cooking fires remain the leading cause of residential fires. This marks the second cooking-related residential fire in Arkansas City in the past week. Residents are urged to stay attentive while cooking and ensure smoke alarms are working properly.
