One dead in Merrick County house fire

CENTRAL CITY, Neb. (KSNB) - A rural Merrick County house fire has claimed the life of its 80-year-old resident. William “Bill” Ceder was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire near the intersection of Highway 14 and L Road.

The emergency calls came in shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday. Once on scene, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the home. Crews from Central City, Palmer, Chapman, Clarks, Marquette and Hordville all helped battle the flames.

In addition to the reported death, officials say one of the firefighters on scene was treated for non-life threatening injuries and was cleared while still on the scene.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but no foul play is suspected. An autopsy confirming the cause of death is also pending. The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office is working in conjunction with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office in the investigation.