BROKEN BOW– What began as a worst-case situation, ended with relief for many during a garage fire in Broken Bow on Tuesday, November 30.
At approximately 4:30 PM, Broken Bow Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a garage fire at 1718 N. B Street. The fire started in a detached garage to the east of the home. The fire spread to a 2011 suburban located east of the detached garage and also to the southeast corner of the home.
Broken Bow Police Sergeant Shane Fiorelli along with Broken Bow City Administrator Dan Knoell arrived first on the scene. Knoell stated Sergeant Fiorelli heard a dog barking in the backyard and was able to retrieve the animal. The occupant of the home, Kesia Ducker, arrived and began screaming that she believed her kids were still in the home. Ducker had been at work at the time of the fire and assumed her kids were inside after returning from school.
According to Knoell, Sergeant Fiorelli attempted to gain entry into the home, but the door was dead-bolted shut. With the assistance of Knoell, he dove through the front window began to search for the children. After a search, Sergeant Fiorelli was able to determine there were no children at the home and it was later revealed the children were down the street at another residence.
“It takes a special character to put his life to the side and to go and try and save somebody else’s life,” said Knoell.
Broken Bow Fire arrived on the scene moments later and was able to extinguish the flames after approximately 30 minutes.
The detached garage and the suburban were a total loss while the home sustained damage to the siding and part of the roof.
Sergeant Fiorelli was taken to Melham Medical Center as a precaution for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Broken Bow PD, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, and Broken Bow Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
