An investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to look into the cause of a house fire early this (Friday) morning, north of Anita. The call from a location about a mile south of Interstate 80 off of Highway 148 came in at around 12:43-a.m.  Anita Fire Chief Josh Peach told KJAN News when they arrived on the scene there was heavy smoke coming from the rural residence and flames showing from the second floor. The flames were attacked and quickly extinguished.

One person, an elderly male was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by Anita Rescue for treatment of smoke inhalation. Peach would not confirm a female resident of the home died in the fire, pending notification of relatives, but Cass County Medical Examiner Dr. Elaine Berry was on the scene within about 90-minutes.

There’s been no official word on what may have caused the fire. Additional information is being withheld at this time, pending the results of the State Fire Marshal’s investigation. We should know more later this morning.