Space Heaters are being investigated as the cause of Tuesdays fire that sent one firefighter to the hospital with injuries.

At approximately 12:35 Tuesday, 01/08/2025, our crews were paged to 1026 Laramie St. for a report of a structure fire. While crews were enroute, Atchison PD officers in the area reported the structure was fully involved in fire. It was also reported that all occupants were out of the house. When we arrived, we found heavy black smoke coming from the second story of the 2-story home. Firefighters were able to enter the smoke-filled home and make their way to the second story and extinguish the fire where it believed to have started but the fire had spread into the attic area above. Eventually our crews were forced to pull out of the structure and fight the fire defensively from outside where it had now burned through the roof. Heavy snow and icy conditions made this incident extremely difficult. One firefighter was transported by Atchison County EMS to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph for evaluation after a 36’ ladder fell on top of him and knocking him to the ground while taking it down in the icy conditions (The injured firefighter has been released from the hospital with minor injuries and is recovering at home).  Our crews remained on scene throughout the afternoon working on getting the fire completely extinguished. The Atchison Salvation Army responded to assist the residents with temporary lodging and will continue to assist with other needed items. Atchison County EMS was on scene for standby as well as Atchison PD who also assisted.

Atchison Fire Department investigators continue their probe into the cause of the fire with occupants of the home stating space heaters were in use on the second story where the fire is believed to have started.

Laramie St. House Fire