The blaze that killed a man in Herington Monday is still under investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office.

Ken Staatz, Herington Fire Chief, confirmed Friday that the cause of the fire that killed Ronnie G. Holeman, 75, of Herington is still unknown,”We’re still waiting for a report.”

The fire was reported at 2:33 a.m. Monday at a building along Main Street in Herington.

“I think the fire probably brewed for a little bit before it cracked a window and was able to breathe and really stoked up,” Staatz said. “I live several blocks from the downtown area and leaving my house I could see heavy smoke coming from the apartment.”

The first fire engine arrived on the scene at 2:44 a.m. and a two man crew made entry into the second floor apartment and was able to contain the fire to the single apartment.

Just after 3 a.m. Staatz said crews began searching the apartment where the fire was contained, and that’s when they found Holeman. “Once we found the body I contacted the State Fire Marshal’s office which is procedure.”

Damage was for the most part contained to the one apartment and the first floor,”The back apartment really didn’t sustain any damage. The way we attacked the fire, back to front, we were able to push the fire out and suppress the fire.”

In total 14 firefighters and three trucks responded to the fire.  It is unknown when the State Fire Marshal’s office will release their report.