BARTON COUNTY -An early morning fire West of Great Bend is being investigated as an arson.

According to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Albert Fire Department responed to structure fire approximately 9 miles west of Great Bend Wednesday morning at 1155 N. East 20 Road. Upon arrival firefighters and officers discovered the structure had totally collapsed and was a complete loss.

“Evidently, the fire had been burning for a considerable length of time prior to authorities being notified,” Sheriff Brian Bellendir said in a press release.

“The house was not occupied at the time of the fire. The fire has been deemed suspicious in nature.”

On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of an attempted arson at the same location. That report was currently under investigation.

Bellendir says the Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, and an investigator is currently assisting detectives. The Sheriff’s Office will continue investigation of both cases.

The loss of Wednesday’s fire is estimated to be in excess of $85,000.00.

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BARTON COUNTY-The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of a fire at a two-story residence in Barton County.

Fire crews were called to 1155 Northwest 20 Road just after 6a.m. on Tuesday, according to Albert Fire Chief Charlie Keller.

“A passerby believed it was just a grass fire. However, when we arrived, we discovered the 2-story, unoccupied residence had burned all night.

The structure was a complete loss. “We called in the State Fire Marshal to help with the investigation,” he said.

No injuries were reported.