Story via Salina Fire Department

An early morning fire caused severe damage to a home at 2014 Ruskin Rd.

Fire crews were dispatched at around 1 am Tuesday morning and arrived on scene with heavy flames and smoke visible.  Fire crews had to make a forcible entry and were met by high heat and very low visibility.  The home was being rented by several college students and fortunately none of them were inside the house at the time of the fire.

Fire crews were able to concentrate on the fire once they determined that the house was clear of occupants.  The fire originated on a back deck and was pushed into the home by a south wind.  The fire caused damage to a neighboring house but was limited to the siding and did not spread to the interior.

The damage to 2014 Ruskin was severe and the interior was heavily damaged by fire and smoke.  All occupants were displaced and the home was determined to be unsafe due to structural damage and loss of utilities.  A family pet, a dog, perished in the fire.

The fire originated on the back deck and was caused by improper disposal of cigarettes.