Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews encountered towering black smoke Tuesday night, after being dispatched to the neighborhood of 53rd and Leighton Avenue, when a detached garage became fully engulfed in flames.
The call came in at 9:16 p.m. and crews arrived to find the garage fully in flames and spreading to the house and another structure with, “the siding melting,” said LFR Public Information Officer MJ Lierman.
With the fire encroaching on other structures, Command immediately upgraded the incident to second alarm for more resources and firefighters.
Crews got water onto the fire 7 minutes after the dispatch came through at 9:23 p.m., and did successfully prevent the fire from spreading. The garage fire was declared under control within 14 minutes.
LFR encountered moderate smoke and heat upon entry to the home, and fire was found in the attic when crews pulled the ceiling. Crews coordinated numerous rigs to attack and protect three areas. While the garage was being worked under control, another crew used a water barrier to shield a neighboring structure and minimized damage to the siding only. More crews were inside the home extinguishing the attic fire and checking for further extension and hot spots.
Fire Inspector Jason Relford said cause was undetermined due the garage being declared unsafe due to a partial collapse of structure. Further investigation may occur once safety is evaluated.
No injuries reported by any of the 39 responding personnel, or the residents. The garage was declared a total loss, and estimated damage to all three structures was $200,000. The American Red Cross is assisting the homeowners.