Deadly Apartment Fire in North Lincoln Under Investigation

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Investigators have released more details following a two-alarm apartment house fire near 52nd and Leighton in North Lincoln on Thursday afternoon that left one person dead. The fire started in an outside window well, progressed up the side of the building, and got into the soffits and attic space, consuming the building's only stairwell exit. Two upper floor residents and a dog were rescued from balconies, but one person was found dead near the ground level exit. Several cats were able to escape after firefighters opened the doors.

Why it matters

Apartment fires pose a serious threat to public safety, especially when they block primary exit routes. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety codes, building inspections, and emergency planning to protect residents in multi-unit dwellings.

The details

According to LFR Public Information Officer MJ Lierman, the fire started in an outside window well and quickly spread up the side of the building, getting into the soffits and attic space. The flames consumed the building's only stairwell exit, trapping two upper floor residents who had to be rescued from their balconies. One person was found dead near the ground level exit, while several cats were able to escape after firefighters opened the doors.

• The fire broke out around 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
• A second alarm was called four minutes later, at 3:54 p.m.
• The fire was under control at 4:08 p.m.

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.