At 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the McPherson Fire Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Ash for a structure fire. Two engines and three command vehicles, with a total of nine personnel, responded to the initial call.
The original call was for the report of a fire on the back porch. The first arriving crews found extensive fire involvement on the back porch. The fire had extended into the residence. The two occupants and the dog were able to evacuate from the residence safely.
One additional fire department apparatus with three personnel responded later for assistance. McPherson PD and McPherson EMS responded to the initial alarm and assisted at the scene. Kansas Gas Service and BPU responded to shut off the utilities to the residence.
Due to the fire extension into the rear of the house and heat and smoke damage throughout the residence, it is likely a total loss. Upon investigation, the fire was determined to be accidental, with the heat source identified as a barbecue grill used on the covered deck attached to the rear of the house.