Family Safe in Monday Afternoon Home Fire

*Family watch emergency responders tending to the fire that has taken their home. Photo S. Jason Cole*

Excelsior Springs Fire Department was called to a house fire that was called into Excelsior Springs Police Department at approximately 3:05pm on the afternoon of Monday, March 20, 2023. The two story home was located on NE 136th Street, just outside of town. When crews arrived smoke and flames were coming from the roof and the three car garage was completely engulfed. Homeowners Steve and Linda Ainsworth were standing outside of the home watching emergency crews work to put out the fire.

The couple explained that Steve had been working in the garage when he looked up and saw a corner of the house was on fire. He quickly got out unharmed and was the first call to 911. Linda was away from the house at the time, but the couple mentioned that they had been burning trash earlier in the day. There were high winds today. With the exterior of the home being made of cedar shingles, the home is expected to be a complete loss. They were initially concerned about their dog, which must have run away for a short time, but returned to them while waiting for their next step.

Responding to the scene were Excelsior Springs and Kearney Fire Departments, along with Fishing River Fire District. Two Excelsior Springs firefighters were injured while fighting the fire. One was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening smoke-inhalation and the other refused treatment at the scene, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.