Two treated at hospital after house fire

Two older adults were treated for smoke inhalation at Sparta Community Hospital after a Tuesday morning fire in Percy.

According to firefighters on scene, the fire at a single-story house at 208 E. Almond Street started in a utility room in the back of the house, but its exact cause is still under investigation.

"There are two ceilings and the fire got trapped between them," said firefighter and MedStar Ambulance Vice President Michael Kelley. "It was very difficult to reach where it was."

Eight members of the Rickenberg family, three adults and five children, live in the home. Kelley told the Herald Tribune the children were out of the house attending the first day of school in the Trico school district.

The house suffered major damage in the fire, with heavy smoke damage throughout. Kelley said the American Red Cross has been notified and help is being sought for the victims.

The fire was reported at 8:46 a.m., with Percy, Steeleville, Campbell Hill, Cutler and Willisville fire departments responding.