Quick response minimizes damage in attic fire

Fire caused little damage to a house across from Lincoln Elementary this morning, though firefighters spent a good part of the morning monitoring it.

The fire started in the attic of a house with green stucco siding at 1011 Grant Ave, according to officials. Smoke was billowing from the roof and out of attic fans on the roof when firefighters arrived just after 7 a.m.

“The fire started in the attic in the southwest room,” Fire Chief John Ihnen said. “We believe it started with an overloaded junction box. Arched wires got the insulation going.”

Smoke awakened the occupants of the house. Jacob Layman, who lives at the residence, called the fire in, Ihnen said.

The source of the fire was somewhat difficult to get to — firefighters brought in a chainsaw and other tools to assist in their efforts. They extinguished the fire within 20 minutes by running a hose through the front door.

Fire and smoke damage primarily was “confined to the room of origin,” Ihnen aid. He estimated there was about $2,000 to $3,000 worth of damage.

Clay Center City and Clay Center Rural (Hayes) Fire responded at about 7:05 this morning. Four or five fire trucks and about 15 firefighters were involved. Clay Center police also assisted in traffic control, Clay County EMS responded, and Clay Center Public Utilities also responded with a bucket truck.

Firefighters were called back to the residence at about 8:40 a.m. due to reports of smoke, which was related to the earlier fire.

The two-bedroom, one bathroom house is about 900 square feet and valued at about $56,000, according to its assessed valuation. The house belongs to Henrietta Mounts, according to the Register of Deeds office.

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