An investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says one person died and another suffered from smoke inhalation during a house fire early this (Friday) morning, north of Anita. The call about the fire at 74566 Boone Road (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 there was heavy smoke coming from the rural residence and flames showing from the second floor. The flames were attacked and quickly extinguished.

Photos from the scene of the fire

The house, owned by Brad Barber, was occupied by two elderly residents.  Peach says one of the victims, a male, was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital, after was having difficulty breathing due to smoke inhalation. The other person died at the scene, in the upper floor of the home. State Fire Investigator John Ticer says an initial investigation determined the fire was caused an electrical malfunction in wiring within the wall of the second floor of the residence. The cause was deemed accidental. Ticer will not release the names of the victims until later today.

Anita Fire was on the scene until around 5:45-a.m., conducting mop-up and other related activities.