At 11:53 p.m., on Saturday, March 9^th, 2013, emergency personnel were dispatched to 8790 Northeast 20^th Street, just outside of Weir, for a residential structure fire.

Fire Fighters from the Columbus, West Mineral, Weir, Cherokee Township and the City of Cherokee Fire Departments battled the blaze and remained on scene for several hours.

Three occupants of the home, ages 8, 16 and 89, were transported to Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

The 16-year old was treated and released, while the 89-year old victim was admitted to the hospital for minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

The third victim, an 8-year old girl, was later transferred by aircraft to the Shriner’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Three other occupants of the residence escaped without injury.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office.