Electrical fire displaces family in Scottsbluff home

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — An electrical fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to a home in the 600 block of East 11th Street in Scottsbluff on Saturday afternoon, displacing two adults and an infant.

According to the Scottsbluff Fire Department, crews were dispatched shortly after 3 p.m. and arrived on scene within four minutes. Engine One, staffed with four firefighters, began fire suppression, while mutual aid was requested from the Gering Fire Department, which responded with six personnel. A second alarm was also issued to bring additional resources to the scene.

Firefighters were advised while en route that all occupants had exited the residence and that the fire was believed to be in the attic space. Crews brought the fire under control within 10 minutes of arrival, officials said.

During the investigation, a tenant told firefighters she had experienced ongoing electrical problems in the home, including flickering lights and breakers tripping. She reported waking to smoke coming from a door leading to an attic void space and encountering heavy smoke and fire upon opening it before exiting the home with a roommate and calling 911.

Investigators observed multiple electrical wiring violations and determined the fire was likely caused by an electrical failure. The fire department noted that electrical fires in the area are often linked to improper wiring, including undersized wiring connected to oversized breakers.

One occupant was treated on scene for minor burns but declined transport to Regional West Medical Center. Firefighters were also able to recover a bracelet containing a family member’s ashes from the home.

Crews remained on scene for approximately three and a half hours for overhaul and investigation. Additional agencies assisting included NPPD, Regional West EMS, Scotts Bluff County CERT, Scottsbluff Police Department, Black Hills Energy and Scotts Bluff County Communications.