Omaha and Bellevue Firefighters battled flames and the heat this morning
The smoke and flames coming from a house near 31st and T Street around 9:00 this morning was visible for several miles. When firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed in flames.
Assistant Chief Dan Stolinski says the staircases leading to the basement and the second floor both collapsed and firefighters had to fight the blaze from the outside. Fortunately, no one was home at the time.
In addition to the intense flames, fire crews had to deal with the brutal heat. Stolinski says they rotated firefighters so they could take their gear off and get hydrated. Paramedics also took their blood pressure and other vitals to make sure they weren't over heated.
Paramedics also provided oxygen to a cat that was rescued from the burning home.
Stolinski says because of the new mutual aid agreement with Bellevue, they were able to send a truck and provide manpower. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
