BEATRICE – What was initially reported as a possible house explosion sent firefighters to an east Beatrice neighborhood, Sunday at 8:24 p.m.


Beatrice Fire and Rescue Chief Brian Daake said fire and police spoke with neighbors after arriving.
"There was an explosion of some kind. At this time, we're not sure what it is. It does not appear to be utilities related, whether it's gas or the sewer system or anything along those lines. We've got a state arson investigator coming in, to double-check."


The explosion apparently happened between two homes along the east side of 16th, a short distance north of 16th and High, sending something flying across the street. "For lack of a better term, there's been some shrapnel that has gone across the street into a neighboring house."

Fire Captain Corey Lieneman said officials discovered a small burned area of grass where a person using a garden hose had applied water.  The investigation revealed that a firework or blasting agent had caused the siding damage to a nearby house. 

The loss was estimated at over $1,500.   A Nebraska Fire Marshal investigator is working with the local fire department and the investigation remains open.

Firefighters left the scene just before 11 p.m.