House, sheds in rural Reno County total loss after fire

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — An abandoned home in Reno County is considered a total loss after a fire started in the attic on Tuesday.

Reno County Emergency Management said at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, units from Pretty Prairie, District 9 and District 9 were called to a structure fire in the 26000 block of S. Sandcreek Rd.

Upon arrival, crews encountered the abandoned home with smoke coming from the roof, a grass fire on the east and west sides of the field, and two storage sheds fully engulfed in flames.

Crews aggressively attacked the interior of the home, but the fire was in the attic space and difficult to access. Due to the fire's progression and the partial collapse of a section of the roof, firefighters went on the defensive and attacked from the exterior.

Because of extreme heat and humidity, crews were rotated out to rehab often. Cheney Fire was also called for extra manpower.

Reno County Emergency Management said the fire took two hours to control. The Reno County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of the fire. The home is being considered a total loss.