TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire located at 1021 NE Jefferson St. Topeka, Kansas shortly before 08:00 AM on Sunday March 04, 2018. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire coming the first floor of the dwelling. One (1) occupant of the structure was able to be rescued from the interior by a roommate, prior to Fire Department arrival. This occupant sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other occupant was also transported for evaluation of smoke inhalation injuries.
A primary search for other occupants was conducted and the dwelling found to be empty. The fire was extinguished keeping it contained to the structure of fire origin, but not before the dwelling sustained substantial damage.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to assist in determining the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Undetermined; more likely than not accidental associated with a failure/malfunction of a wood burning stove.
- Estimated dollar loss – $6,600 (Six Thousand and Six Hundred Dollars); $5,600 to the structure and $1,000 to contents.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, Two (2) Truck Companies, Two (2) Battalion Chiefs and an Investigator.
- Other agencies assisting with this incident include American Medical Response, Kansas Gas Service, Westar Energy and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
- Smoke alarms were present not within the structure.