At 2:35 am Saturday Liberal firefighters were called to 603 E. Pancake Blvd. for a report of smoke in one of the rooms at the Liberal Inn.

First arriving units at 2:40 am encountered heavy smoke in three corridors and several rooms on the East side of the building. Hotel staff and law enforcement officers were aggressively evacuating all occupants to safe areas outside.  After a brief search of the building, the fire was located in room #106 and was quickly extinguished.  The room of origin was believed to be occupied and was thoroughly searched, but found to be vacant.  All other hotel guests were able to be accounted for and a secondary search of the remaining rooms found no additional guests or pets.  Three persons were evaluated at the scene by Seward County EMS, but were released without further treatment or transport.  The fire was declared under control in approximately 45 minutes.  Firefighters continued with ventilation and smoke removal efforts until the entire property was cleared.

The fire was apparently discovered simultaneously by multiple guests and staff as they investigated an odor of smoke in the building and light smoke in rooms adjacent to the room of origin.  Quick thinking and response by hotel staff coupled with calm response and evacuation by the hotel guests very likely contributed to a positive outcome at this particular incident.  Also responding and assisting at the scene were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Black Hills Energy & Southern Pioneer Electric.  The Liberal Fire Department responded with a total of 13 personnel and two engines.  All fire units were clear of the scene and returned to service at 6:22 am.

Investigation into this fire will be ongoing.  The room or origin had been occupied during the previous evening however the occupants had vacated the room at some point prior to the fire.  Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is urged to contact the Liberal Fire Department at (620) 626-0128.