Newton Fire and EMS rescued an occupant of a burning home, at 510 SE Third Street., and continue to fight the flames Thursday morning.
A passerby called in the fire around 10:30 a.m. and responders found a fire well in progress at the property.
As of 11:30 a.m., flames could still be seen shooting through the building’s roof and roaring inside the building.
According to Newton Police Lt. Jason Thompson, one person was trapped in the home and the fire department rescued them.
He said the home had three occupants, none of whom were seriously injured he said. He said they had been transfered to Newton medical Center for precautionary treatment.
Firefighters deployed both foam and water to fight the fire, but had moved into a defensive position to prevent the fire’s spread to nearby properties. It appears the burning home will be a total loss.
Multiple fire engines remain on seen. Thompson said the department was unable to use its biggest truck on the scene because the hydrant necessary for the truck was too far away in the area.
Thompson said it was likely responders would be at the property most of the day.
With heavy humidity, sunny weather and a temperature of 87 degrees, Newton Fire and EMS responders are in full gear and rotating as they work to quell the flames.
Halstead Fire and EMS also responded to the fire to make sure Newton Fire and EMS responders stay hydrated and healthy.
“Right now it would be nice to have some of those thunderstorms we’d been having earlier in the week,” Thompson said.
The Newton Police Department and Harvey County Sheriff’s department were on seen helping to direct traffic, work road barricades and support those fighting the flames.
A north wind has spread the smoke from the fire through a large section of the east side of the City.
With the barricades and large amount of emergency responders, it would be a good idea to avoid driving in the area if you don’t have to do so.
