FFD responds to Sunday house fire

(Courtesy Photo / Dodge County Sheriff’s Office)
 
There were no injuries reported from a house fire at 944 E. Military Ave. in Fremont early Sunday morning. 
 
Capt. Jamie Meyer said the call came in at about 12:59 a.m. 
 
“The arriving crews got on scene and there was heavy fire on the back northeast corner of the house,” he said. “It had burned a small porch area and into the kitchen and there was a minimal fire down in the basement. But it extended all the way up the outside of a large two-story house converted into three apartments. As it went up the side of the house, it went into the eaves.”
 
Firefighters on B shift responded to the call, but A and C shifts were also called to the fire. 
 
“We got called back and when we got there heavy smoke was coming out of the attic gable on the front of the house,” Meyer said. “It wasn’t five minutes before the fire had breached the roof.”
 
During the first 10 to 15 minutes on scene, Meyer said two medical calls were received. Area departments provided assistance. 
 
“Arlington brought their squad over and North Bend came with a squad and each one of those departments took a medical call,” Meyer said. “They also manned the station until we were done.” 
 
Meyer said it took between three and hours until the blaze was completely out. 
 
“At approximately 1:30, the fire was coming through the roof and then it was just a whole different thing,” he said. “It was a lot of work. It was a vacant two-story building and has been vacant for a while. What we had to do was pull the ceiling and (go) from underneath to get to the fire.”
 
Fremont Rural and Valley Fire Departments provided assistance. Cedar Bluffs also offered help. Meyer said the FFD is thankful for the area help. 
 
“I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “Cedar Bluffs was coming this way with a squad, but when Arlington and North Bend had their calls finished we just went ahead and turned them back home. We’re grateful for Arlington, North Bend, Valley, Fremont Rural, Cedar Bluffs and all these guys that were willing to help us. We’ve been using them a lot in the last two or three years.”
 
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal is investigating the fire. Meyer said the house is a total loss.