Saturday’s fatal fire in Cottonwood Falls did around $200,000 in damage as it destroyed one of the five buildings at the Housing Authority development on East Eighth.
Office of the State Fire Marshal spokesperson Jill Bronaugh says the fire was deemed accidental in nature, but the exact cause and origination point are still under investigation.
Saturday’s fire was reported around 4:430 am and destroyed the entire building, even though the exterior walls were left standing — including four living units, the office, mail room and laundry room. Preliminary autopsy results announced Monday indicates the fire was at least partially to blame for the death of Sharon Tatman, 74. Final autopsy results are pending. A celebration of life will be from 2-5 pm Saturday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Strong City, with Brown-Bennett-Alexander handling arrangements.
Housing Authority manager Dee Wessel says her plan is to rebuild the B building, pending approval from the USDA’s Rural Development Office, and possibly to add more buildings to the complex at an unspecified time later.
