House fire last week deemed arson, investigation ongoing

Garden City, Kan (WesternKansasNews.Com) – At approximately 5:02 a.m. on August 18, 2022, the Garden City Fire Department (GCFD) was dispatched to the 1600 block of A Street for the report of a structure fire. Prior to arrival, dispatch advised fire personnel that Garden City Police Department (GCPD) was on scene and the fire was extinguished. Responding fire units continued to the scene for information gathering. Upon arrival, firefighters began to investigate around the house and noticed a strong smell of accelerant, as well as markings of smoke residue. A Fire Investigator was requested to the scene to complete an investigation.

The scene was turned over to GCFD Fire Investigator Robertson upon his arrival to continue the investigation. He identified several areas on the outside of the residence that had possible ignitable liquid trails, as well as burn marks on the exterior siding of the residence. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was also contacted to request a State Investigator and Accelerant K-9.

The cause of the fire has been deemed arson and the investigation is ongoing. No injuries were reported, and no damage estimates for the structure are known at this time.