According to the Great Bend Fire Department, at 3:20 p.m. on Friday, units responded to a report of smoke coming from the attic of 1220 Taft. Upon arrival the first unit reported heavy smoke was showing. No one was inside at the time of the fire. The first in crews were able to get the family dog out of the structure. There was light smoke on the main floor and as the crews made their way to the upstairs they encountered heavy smoke, heat and fire. They fought the fire as much as they were able to inside however; it was determined the fire was also in the walls and the attic area. Access to the fire was difficult because of the structure design and the lack of visibility. With the roof structure members weakening, firefighters pulled out of the structure and the fire was safely attacked and brought under control from the outside. The firefighters then reentered to complete extinguishing the fire.
The preliminary investigation shows the origin of the fire in the attic area on the south-east side of the structure where a furnace is located.
No one was injured however the first arriving police officer was treated for minor smoke inhalation. The Great Bend Fire Department was assisted by the Great Bend Police Department, water department along with the electric and gas company. Although the fire damage is confined to the upstairs and attic area, there is extensive water and smoke damage throughout the house.