The Great Bend Fire Department issued this release Saturday night:

At approximately 11:30 on Saturday morning Great Bend Fire Department was dispatched to the report
of a structure fire in the 800 block of Hickory in Great Bend. Upon arrival light smoke was noted coming
from the structure. Initial crew was met with heavy smoke and fire when they entered the residence.
Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly and started an interior search of the residence for
possible occupants with no one found. All occupants had exited the structure prior to fire department
arrival. Significant fire, smoke, and heat damage were found throughout the structure. The fire is being
investigated by fire investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, the Kansas State Fire Marshal
Office and detectives from the Great Bend Police Department. The cause of the fire is currently listed as
suspicious in nature. Great Bend Fire Department was assisted at the fire by the Great Bend Police
Department, Wheatland Electric, and Kansas Gas Service.
Brent Smith
Interim Fire Chief