Crews from the Sidney Department of Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 801 East Court Street in Sidney at 12:57 am on August 26, 2022. Sidney Dispatch advised that the structure was fully engulfed in fire. Fire crews were on scene in less than seven minutes. Upon arrival, crews were advised of the possibility of at least one occupant trapped inside. The one-story, single-family dwelling was fully involved and crews initiated an aggressive fire attack and a search for victims. During the search a victim was located inside of the residence. The victim was removed from the structure and determined to be deceased. The identity of the deceased victim will be released after notification of next of kin. Fire crews completed extinguishment of the fire and overhaul of the structure. The fire caused extensive damage to the structure.
One firefighter was transported to Wilson Health for smoke inhalation and was released a short time later.
Early in the incident, a box alarm was struck recalling all off-duty Sidney Fire personnel, along with Anna Fire, Lockington Fire, and an Anna Medic unit. One other EMS incident occurred during the structure fire and Anna Rescue handled that call. AES and CenterPoint Energy were brought to the scene to secure the utilities. The Shelby County Coroner’s office is investigating the fire fatality and the fire victim was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s office for autopsy.
The Sidney Department of Fire and Emergency Services Fire Investigation Unit, along with the State Fire Marshal’s office are investigating the fire. The investigation is ongoing and the cause of the fire is currently undetermined.