Firefighters turn out in 4 degree weather to fight smoky attic fire

Red Willow Western firefighter Pat Cribbs sprays water through a vent hole on flames in the attic of a home at 508 West G in McCook, Nebraska, Tuesday night. City of McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham called for extra manpower from the rural fire department to help fight the structure fire reported at 9:15 p.m. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Using a water hose in 4-degree temperatures, with fog, mist and light snow, just doesn't sound like a good idea at all.

Those were the weather conditions facing McCook, Nebraska, and Red Willow Western firefighters when McCook residents reported a fire in their home at 508 West G about 9:15 p.m., Tuesday.

McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham said firefighters were hampered initially by the extremely frigid conditions, but personnel from the city water and street departments helped with ice-covered streets and frozen water supplies. The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department provided additional manpower.

Upon their approach, firefighters reported considerable smoke coming from the attic of the house owned by James Brandt of McCook, and occupied by Tony and Shawna Veronee. The Veronees escaped with no injuries, Harpham said.

Harpham said firefighters located the fire in the attic and had it under control within 15 minutes. They remained on the scene for about three hours extinguishing hot spots.

A fire department investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was electrical, and that it had smoldered for quite some time before the Veronees noticed it.

Initial damage estimates have been set at $25,000 to the structure and $5,000 to the contents.

Red Cross representatives responded to provide temporary housing arrangements for the Veronees, who were not able to occupy the house after the fire.

Harpham reported that 16 firefighters, two pumper trucks, one ladder truck, one ambulance, one support vehicle and one command unit responded to the fire.