Atlantic Fire and Rescue, Medivac Ambulance, Atlantic Police and Cass County Ermegency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon all responded to a reported house fire at around 5:04-p.m., Saturday. The fire occurred at 304 W. 3rd Street. Damage to the home appeared to be limited mainly to the north, or rear of the structure. Flames were seen shooting out the back when firefighters arrived. Authorities were not sure if anyone was in the residence until they could get inside and put out the flames.

304 W. 3rd (Ric Hanson/photo)

Neighbors said a man known to be homeless was sometimes inside the residence, but a search determined the home was unoccupied.

Atlantic Police helped to move a trailer parked between the residence and a neighboring garage. Firefighters got the flames under control quickly, and spent the next hour-and 30 minutes or so handling hot spots, conducting mop-up activities and an investigation.

Fire Chief Mark McNees said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and they hope to get a closer look inside after sunrise, Sunday.