Lincoln, NE (December 25, 2024) – Tragedy struck in east-central Lincoln early Christmas Eve morning as a 78-year-old man was discovered deceased in his home following a house fire.
Lincoln Police responded to a welfare check around 1:30 a.m. at a residence near 39th St and Steele Ave after a neighbor reported fogged windows and water leaking from the property. Upon arrival, officers detected smoke and promptly contacted Lincoln Fire & Rescue (LFR).
Fire crews arrived to find the home filled with smoke, though no active flames were present. During their search, they located the man in the basement, where the fire had originated. The smoldering fire, which appeared to have extinguished itself, was declared under control by 1:47 a.m.
LFR reported that no smoke alarms were functioning in the home at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with damages to the property estimated at approximately $100,000. An autopsy for the victim is scheduled for Thursday.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
Fire Safety and Prevention in Nebraska Homes
House fires remain a critical safety concern, especially during the colder months when heating systems and holiday decorations are frequently in use. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), functioning smoke alarms can reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities by more than half. The absence of smoke alarms in this tragic incident underscores the importance of installing and maintaining these devices in every home.
Basements can pose additional challenges in fires due to limited escape routes and the potential for smoldering fires to go undetected. Homeowners are encouraged to install smoke detectors on every level of their residence and to test them regularly to ensure they are operational.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the fire in this case, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of fire safety measures. Taking proactive steps to prevent fires and ensure early detection can save lives and reduce the risk of devastating property damage.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a house fire, resources are available to provide assistance and support.
For more information or to receive help after a fire-related incident, contact Local Accident Reports. If you or someone you know has been injured or affected by a fire, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.