FAIRBURY, NE — We’re learning more about a fire that destroyed a home in Fairbury last night.

The Fairbury Rural Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at the northeast corner of 14th and G streets around 7:10 Wednesday night. When firefighters arrived, half of the house was already engulfed in heavy flame.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating the cause of the fire, but Fairbury Assistant Chief Barry Schwab says it’s apparent the fire grew rapidly.

Schwab says neighbors and good samaritans helped multiple people get out of the house safely.

Firefighters knocked down the fire quickly but ran into logistical problems because of the house’s location immediately on Highway 136. Schwab says obstacles in the home and an awkward layout made getting to the basement challenging. It took more than two hours for firefighters to start their overhaul process.

About 25-30 fire personnel responded from Fairbury and Jansen Rural Fire. Most firefighters were back at their stations by midnight but some stayed on the scene until 2:45 in the morning.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control. Jefferson County Ambulance checked out the residents and stayed on scene to help rehab firefighters.

First responders initially shut down all four lanes of the highway to address the fire. Schwab says he’s grateful to the public for staying back from the scene.

“We are appreciative of people keeping their distance,” Schwab said. “They gave us the wide berth needed to get the job done.”

The house is considered a total loss.