A quiet Sunday in Elkhorn turned chaotic around noon when a fire ripped through an apartment on West Market Street, forcing a father and his child to evacuate and sending the man to a regional burn center with serious injuries.
What happened
City of Elkhorn emergency crews were called to 132 W Market Street and found an active fire in unit 104, prompting an immediate evacuation of residents. On scene, responders treated a father who suffered severe burns to his hands and feet before he was flown by Flight for Life to Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Regional Burn Center. His child was taken to Aurora Lakeland Medical Center for evaluation and was later released, according to TMJ4.
Fire department response
Elkhorn Area Fire Department crews led the response, supported by city EMS units and on-call personnel who were brought in to help handle the scene. The department, based out of its central station on South Broad Street, is responsible for fire suppression, inspections, and emergency medical services across roughly 100 square miles, according to the City of Elkhorn.
Cause and community aid
Investigators later ruled the blaze accidental, tracing it to a flammable liquid used in a jewelry-cleaning machine inside the unit. As firefighters worked the scene, nearby businesses stepped up to help, with a Kwik Trip and a Casey's providing food and water to first responders, TMJ4 reported.
What’s next
Following incidents like this, fire officials complete written reports and damage assessments while investigators gather and review evidence to lock in the cause. Residents looking for information on fire safety or local assistance programs can contact the Elkhorn Area Fire Department directly and find additional resources through the city's Fire & EMS information, per the City of Elkhorn.
