BARTON COUNTY —Authorities reported a man intentionally set a vacant, rural home on fire and left it unattended in rural Barton County Tuesday. Nearby residents and fire crews did not know.
Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, Barton County Fire District 2, Hoisington, received a call to a reported structure fire near the intersection of NE 140 Road and NE 30 Avenue, according to a social media report from the fire district.
A one story house had flames showing from windows and the attic area. Once firefighters arrived on scene the house was fully engulfed with no one around the property.
Firefighters battled the fire from the outside due to the amount of fire inside, and the stability of the house. By the time crews arrived, the roof had collapsed.
During extinguishment, it was found that there was no electricity or propane leading in to the house, which indicated it was a vacant house.
Investigators learned the property owner was going to tear the house down and lit the house on fire the same day, and left the structure to burn down unattended.
Smoke and flames were visible for quite a distance and prompted several 911 calls. Many resources were used to fight the fire.
Barton Fire District 2 was assisted by Hoisington EMS, Barton Co. Sheriffs Dept and the Beaver Fire Department.