According to a news release from Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, crews were dispatched shortly before 1:30 Friday afternoon to 302 N. Second St. after receiving reports that a house was engulfed in flames.
Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the side porch and a rear room of the two-story brick residence. Bystanders told crews that no one was currently living in the home.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire on the back porch and began interior operations in the back room. The fire had already spread to the second floor and into an adjacent kitchen area in the rear corner of the home, according to the release.
As the fire continued to spread, off-duty firefighters responded to the station to assist and bring the department’s ladder truck to the scene. Using the ladder truck, crews were able to attack the fire after it extended into the third-floor attic.
Firefighters worked throughout the afternoon to extinguish the blaze, navigating difficult conditions inside the home, which was being used for storage and made maneuvering challenging. At the time of the release, crews remained on scene checking for hot spots and fire extension.
Despite unfavorable weather conditions, Chief Weishaar said firefighters were able to save the historic structure with minimal structural damage, preserving much of the home’s unique architectural features.
According to the State Register of Historic places, the structure, known as the McKelvey House, is considered one of the town's oldest historic homes, recognized as a contributing property in the State Register.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including Atchison Police Department, Atchison County EMS, the Atchison Salvation Army, Evergy, Kansas Gas, and City of Atchison street and water crews. Weishaar also credited Atchison County Communications dispatchers for their coordination and communication during the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The home has been unoccupied for several months.
Photo credit: Atchison Fire Dept
