Firefighters from Atlantic were called to the scene of a house fire Sunday evening, north of Atlantic.

Ric Hanson (Photos)

The call about the blaze at 64505 Dunbar Road was dispatched at 4:36-p.m. All the residents of the home evacuated safely prior to firefighters’ arrival. Second-Assistant Fire Chief Tim Cappel said the south side of the structure was already fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. Crews reacted quickly to the situation. Once inside, they noticed the fire made its way into the attic. The roof was ventilated and an extensive overhaul to make sure the fire was out was conducted.

The flames weren’t the only thing firefighters had to contend with. Cappel says there was gunpowder and ammunition in a section of the basement, so they worked at different angles to avoid any rounds that might have gone off. Two small dogs were in the home when the fire broke out. Cass County Deputy Tyler Shiels tried to rescue them, but the smoke was too thick. Cappel says fortunately, the animals are still alive. The animals were later found under one of the beds, and did not appear to have suffered much from smoke inhalation.

Cappel says the fire was caused by a lighter used to start an outdoor grill. A charcoal lighter caught a nearby bush on fire. The flames then spread to the residence. Cappel cautioned that with the high winds the area has been experiencing, people need to be careful when they are grilling, enjoying a small bonfire or other such outdoor activity, because a tiny spark can cause a big fire.

Medivac Ambulance was called to the scene at around 5:44-p.m. to offer medical assistance to firefighter who was partially overcome by the heat. The temperature at the time was hovering around 82-degrees. No other injuries were reported.