Nearly a week after the devastating fire at the former Hornets Pointe apartment complex, investigators are still combing through evidence and statements as they try to figure out what happened.
Residents with information about the Dec. 12 fire are still encouraged to reach out to Emporia Fire at 620-343-4230, Emporia Police at 620-343-4200 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273, especially if they have photos or video of what happened. Emporia Fire and Emporia Police have been working with the Newton Fire Marshal, Kansas State Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on the investigation and have been looking into the fire as a suspected arson case.
Meanwhile, Allen-Admire Fire Chief Tharon Mott, the firefighter seriously injured early in the firefighting effort, returned home late this week after spending nearly a week in the hospital, either at Newman Regional Health or Stormont-Vail in Topeka. A GoFundMe page continues to generate donations for medical expenses, and a benefit supper and silent auction will be held Jan. 8 in Admire to help Mott. Residents can contact Allen-Admire Battalion Chief Tim Rogers at 620-412-7186 for more information about the event.
