Aug 24, 2022

Investigation: Fire at SW Kansas home intentionally set

Posted Aug 24, 2022 11:00 AM

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have determined it was intentionally set, according to a statement from the Garden City Fire Department.

Just after 5 a.m. on August 18, fire crews responded to a fire in the 1600 block of A Street.  The Garden City Police Department  was already on scene and the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries.

Firefighters began to investigate around the house and noticed a strong smell of accelerant, as well as markings of smoke residue.  Authorities turned the scene over to GCFD Fire Investigator Gene Robertson.

He identified several areas on the outside of the residence that had possible ignitable liquid trails, as well as burn marks on the exterior siding of the home. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was also contacted to request a State Investigator and Accelerant K-9.  The cause of the fire has been deemed arson.  Authorities released no damage estimates for the structure.