
INDIANOLA—Two families were impacted by fires recently on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. One home was damaged in a chimney fire, and the other had their garage completely destroyed.
On Jan. 30, in the night, Theo and EdaBee Anderson’s garage caught fire, cause unknown. The home is at 34190 N. 9485 E., in Hideaway Valley. Propane tanks in the garage may have exploded, and two cars and everything in the structure were destroyed. The family’s culinary water pump was also destroyed, so they are currently living in a motel. No one in the house was injured.
Theo praised the Indianola Fire Department: “They were there in 22 minutes, put out the fire and saved the house. We are so grateful to them for their service.” It will be about a month before the water system can be restored and the family can move back into their house.
The second fire happened Feb. 1 in the afternoon, at the home of Vince and Jessie Robertson at 34220 N. 7850 E. Jessie said, “The chimney cleaners had left, and about an hour later, I saw flames coming up from the floor.” They exited the home and called 911, and the fire department responded quickly and put out the fire. The fire went across under the roof, and caused extensive damage to the inside of the house. Jessie reports they estimate it will be six to eight months before the house will be restored.
Neither the Robertsons nor their four dogs were injured. Right now they are living in a camper trailer in the driveway. “We were so blessed there were no injuries,” Jessie said.