The remains of a house in Winfield at 515 Gary St. Fire officials are investigating the blaze as a possible arson. (Photos by Shane Farley)
Winfield fire officials are investigating a possible arson in regards to a vacant house fire, according to Winfield Fire Marshall Chad Mayberry Monday afternoon.
At approximately 9:45 p.m. Sunday, a structure fire was reported to authorities at 515 Gary St.
Mayberry said the home was fully involved when police and firefighters arrived. Automatic aid from Ark City, Burden and Udall was also called. The fire was contained just before midnight, but investigators remained throughout the night.
A power line dropped on the property at some point and added to the blaze and sparked for some time before electric crews could shut off power from a transformer, according to Mayberry.
“We are asking anyone with information to come forward,” Mayberry said.
Witnesses have told authorities of activity before the fire.
“A neighbor who reported the fire said a couple of individuals had approached them and possibly saw something in regards to the ignition of the fire, but they left the scene before we were able to make contact with them,” Mayberry added.
The home was built in 1930, according to county records and had an appraised value of $17,000.
