Six departments battle Lost Springs blaze

Firefighters from six communities spent more than five hours battling a blaze last week that destroyed a century-old two-story home in Lost Springs.

A single-family home, owned by Jerico and Layla Meyer, was reported on fire at 11:20 p.m. last Wednesday.

The fire could have been burning for an hour before a boy in a residence across the street noticed flames while getting a drink of water, Lincolnville assistant fire chief Brett Hajek said.

Firefighters from Lost Springs, Lincolnville, Ramona, Marion, Herington, and Tampa battled the blaze. Marion and Tampa ambulances, along with the county emergency manager, also responded.

Firefighters on one side of the structure’s exterior were required to use breathing apparatus because of heavy smoke. Water was ferried to the scene from Centre High School.

About 60 firefighters were present at the height of the response, Hajek said.

The home was declared a total loss. Residents were not home at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Cause of the fire remains under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.