The family and estate of a man killed in a January house fire has filed a $1 million wrongful death claim against the city of Scottsbluff and its fire department.

The Jan. 6 fire killed 92-year-old Salome Blanco Sr. His wife, Ramona, escaped the blaze.

The Scottsbluff Star-Herald says the family is represented by Scottsbluff attorney, Maren Chaloupka. She says in the claim that firefighters were unreasonably delayed in responding to the fire and were inadequately equipped.

The claim offers a settlement proposal of $1 million.

The claim signals the family is prepared to sue. If the claim is denied or no action is taken within six months, the family may then file a lawsuit.

Scottsbluff City Manager Rick Kuckkahn says he cannot comment on the tort claim.