Rural Saline County Home Destroyed by Fire; 250 Baby Chickens Perish

A rural Saline County residence was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon, resulting in the loss of the home, its contents, and approximately 250 baby chickens housed in the basement.

According to authorities, the homeowner, a 67-year-old resident, left the residence in the 10,900 block of South Hohneck Road at approximately 2:30 p.m. to run errands. The resident returned around 5:10 p.m. and discovered heavy smoke coming from the home.

Firefighters responded and found the structure heavily involved in fire. The residence is considered a total loss.

The homeowner estimated the loss at approximately $150,000 for the residence and $40,000 for its contents.

Authorities reported that the only casualties were approximately 250 baby chickens being kept in the basement of the home.

Preliminary information indicates the fire may have been caused by a faulty fan that had been left running in the kitchen. The exact cause remains under investigation.

Agencies responding to the scene included the Marquette Volunteer Fire Department, Saline County Rural Fire Department No. 6, Saline County Rural Fire Department No. 2, and McPherson County Rural Fire District No. 8.

Personnel from DSO Electric Cooperative, Inc. also responded to disconnect electrical service to the residence.

No human injuries were reported.