Derby Man and Pet Killed in Christmas Night Fire
A man in his 70s and his pet lost their lives in a house fire on Christmas night in Derby, Kansas. The blaze occurred around 11 p.m. in the 700 block of E. Meadowlark, near Woodlawn, according to officials.
The Derby Fire Department reported that a passerby walking their dog noticed flames coming from the back of a duplex and immediately called 911 while warning neighbors of the danger.
When fire crews arrived, they found flames pouring out of a window. Upon entering the home, firefighters located the man in a bedroom.
“He appeared to be home alone at the time,” said Derby Fire Chief John Turner. “There are conflicting reports about whether he lived there alone or with someone, but everyone associated with the residence has been accounted for.”
The fire was confined to one room and a hallway, though smoke damage extended throughout the property. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
