Great Bend Fire crews responded to a fire early Wednesday that left one unit of a Great Bend duplex with heavy smoke and heat damage.

According to Great Bend Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, GBFD crews responded to the report of a structure fire at 2719 28th St. Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the residence.  They were advised that the occupants of the duplex had all made it out of the structure.  

Smith said Crews made an aggressive interior attack and encountered limited visibility due to heavy smoke and fire conditions inside the residence.  They located the fire in the basement and were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Fire damage was limited to one room in the basement with heat and smoke damage throughout the entire home. 

Crews were able to rescue one family pet from the residence and did locate another pet that was deceased.

Investigation indicates the fire began in the basement, and Smith said the cause appears to have been electrical in nature. The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined/accidental at this time. 

GBFD was assisted with the investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal Office.