Fire destroys rural Miami home late Friday, Oct. 19

A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the rural Miami residence of the Jerry Lee Vest family late Friday night, Oct. 19.

No one was at home when the fire started.

A passing neighbor spotted the fire and called for help, but by the time fire departments from Marshall, Malta Bend and Slater, and Slater Emergency Services arrived at the Vest home at about 10:30 Friday evening, the structure was engulfed in flames.

It was initially believed three children were inside the home, but it was quickly determined by Saline County Sheriff’s Department officers they were with friends elsewhere.

No injuries were reported.

The Marshall Fire Department reported the cause of the fire as accidental.