A house near Ellinwood was destroyed by a fire Monday morning, Sheriff Brian Bellendir reports.

Ellinwood Fire Department and Barton County Sheriff’s Office personnel were dispatched to 211 E. 1st St. at 5:30 a.m. and arrived to a house fully engulfed in flames.

“Initially, there was some confusion as to whether anyone was in the house but it was later determined no one was home at the time of the fire,” Bellendir said. 

“The residence appears to be a total loss. Sheriff’s detectives as well as Kansas State Fires Marshal’s Office were on the scene until late this morning,” Bellendir continued. “Investigation indicates the fire was accidental in nature; arson is not suspected. Investigators were unable to determine the exact source of ignition.”

The Ellinwood Police Department also responded to the scene.