Emporia Fire continues investigating a fire that destroyed an apartment house, displaced all its residents and led to injuries for one firefighter late Monday night.
The fire at 718 Market was reported shortly after 11:30 pm and was already well underway by the time firefighters arrived soon after that emergency call. Fire Battalion Chief Tony Fuller:
Both the Red Cross and Salvation Army are offering help to the residents who lost just about everything they had. Red Cross Director Jane Blocker says volunteers are meeting with displaced residents this week to gauge their needs like temporary housing and damage to belongings.
The Red Cross also provides case managers to connect residents to other resources like clothing, food pantries or mental health counseling if needed.
Salvation Army Major Deb Thompson says her agency works with Emporia Fire to determine needs of those residents on a case-by-case basis. She says residents can then reach out to Emporia Fire to start the process.
There is no official word on how many residents were displaced.
4 am Tuesday: Emporia apartment house likely destroyed, firefighter hurt after blaze develops
An apartment house is likely destroyed, several vehicles are damaged and one firefighter has minor injuries after fire developed late Monday night in central Emporia.
The fire at 718 Market was reported shortly after 11:30 pm. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Tony Fuller tells KVOE News the house already had flames out the rear of the building and several units were apparently involved by the time firefighters arrived a short time later. Emporia Fire used its ladder truck and called in mutual aid from Allen-Admire, Miller and Reading, but it still took close to three hours to get the blaze under control.
Fuller says the roof collapsed during the fire and the interior suffered major damage.
Currently, the only injury being reported is to a firefighter. Fuller says the injuries were minor. Further details, including the firefighter’s name and department, are not being released at this time.
Several nearby vehicles suffered fire damage. The extent of that damage is not immediately available. Other nearby structures appear untouched by fire, although they may have some water damage.
The cause and origination point are under investigation at this time. Most units have been released from the scene, but Emporia Fire plans to monitor the house for much of Tuesday in case the fire rekindles.
1:30 am Tuesday: Firefighters battling blaze at Emporia apartment house
A fire has developed in an Emporia apartment house, likely destroying the building.
The fire at 718 Market was reported shortly after 11:30 pm Monday with fire coming from the roof at times.
There is no official word on a cause. Word on any injuries or damage to nearby structures or vehicles is currently pending.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
Photos by Mark DeJesus
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Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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