Local fire departments requested the Sheriff’s Office’s assistance at the scene of a house fire at 3:15 pm on Monday, March 20. The house had been occupied by a man, woman and dog, all of whom escaped safely.

Two firefighters suffered injuries while fighting the fire. One refused treatment at the scene. Another firefighter suffered from non-life-threatening smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The Excelsior Springs Fire Department and Kearney Area Fire and Rescue, as well as Fishing River Fire District, all responded to fight the fire.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said it appears the fire was caused by the residents burning trash outside the house. The high winds initially spread the fire to the back of the house, with the whole house later becoming fully engulfed. The house appears to be a total loss.

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office contributed to this story