House fire near Kearney sparked by firepit embers, authorities say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Several rural fire departments battled a blaze Monday morning at a home near Kearney.

The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department said the fire was reported at a home near West 56th Street and 46th Avenue.

When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy fire on the back side of the house and flames coming from the roof vents.

Volunteer fire departments from Elm Creek, Pleasanton and Gibbon were called in to help.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office shared a photo of the response, which shows the home engulfed in flames.

The two adults, three children and one dog in the home made it out safely, officials said.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency is still investigating the cause of the fire.

But investigators think it may have been sparked by embers from a firepit that blew onto the house.

The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department said ashes from firepits should be put in a metal bucket of water.