Bellevue Couple Escapes Burning Home

BELLEVUE, Neb. - KETV.com

A Bellevue couple was able to escape safely after a fire broke out early Sunday.

Crews were first called to a two-story home at 1802 Hancock St. at about 2:15 a.m. and said they found flames coming from the panels and back end when they arrived.

Homeowner Jim Uhlenkamp said he heard a loud popping sound.

"I went in the back hall of the house and the whole back door was on fire," he said. "But I couldn't see anything because the smoke was real heavy."

Bellevue Fire (1802 Hancock Street)-95.8924913406372441.141530113752821521625654

One of the family's dogs was missing, but firefighters found it inside the home and administered oxygen at the scene.

The fire left extensive damage behind.

"It's all gone now, what you worked so hard for," Uhlenkamp said.

Smoke painted some walls black and flames destroyed others.

"There used to be a kitchen table here, but I don't see it now," Uhlenkamp said. "It doesn't feel real at all. You don't know what to think."

He said he's taking solace in the fact that he and his wife were able to get out safely.

"It's a real blessing that we got out in time," he said. "Flames could have been coming up the stairs at that time, but it was only smoke setting off the smoke detectors."

The home was first built back in 1875. He said his plan is to salvage what he can and to only rebuild some areas.

The fire came just hours after crews were called to put out a burning shed at 8705 S. 36th St. Crews said they got the shed fire under control quickly and kept it from spreading. They said they had to be careful because there had been fuel stored inside.

Investigators have not determined how either fire started.

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