By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
A house explosion and fire caused major damage to a home in Chadron on Sunday, but resulted in no injuries.
The renters of the home called 911 shortly before noon to report they’d heard a loud bang or an explosion in their basement, then had heavy smoke filling the house.
All three individuals were able to get out safely.
Chadron Assistant Fire Chief Travis Plooster says he issued an immediate mutual aid request to Crawford for a pumper truck and rescue unit while rolling out four Chadron units for a total of 13 firefighters between the two departments.
Plooster says when the first firefighters arrived, smoke was coming out of the front of the house – some of it light and some dark and heavy.
Crews were able to limit structural damage from the fire to the front interior of the house, but with significant damage expected elsewhere from the smoke.
Plooster says the fire began in the basement and spread to the first floor. An investigator from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office is still trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
The home is a total loss. The renters are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The fire is under investigation.