It could be mid-week at the earliest before a cause is listed for the Four Seasons Apartment complex fire that displaced all the residents inside the 2230 Prairie building Friday morning.
Fire developed in apartment 2A, either listed as the basement or first floor, and was put out quickly. However, smoke from the fire filled the entire building, so residents have been unable to go back to their dwellings until further notice. A number of residents were briefly trapped on their balconies but were evacuated safely. Nobody was hurt, but at least one cat died.
This is being considered Emporia’s largest fire-related resident displacement in over 20 years. Red Cross Area Director Jane Blocker says the agency’s approach to serving affected residents will remain the same as it would be for those affected by a house fire. Obviously, the scope of help is quite a bit different.
Residents interested in donating to the Red Cross specifically for this situation can go online to www.redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS. Residents can also send checks to the Topeka office, 1321 Southwest Topeka Boulevard, ZIP 66612. Regardless of the method, residents should earmark the funds for the Jan. 20 Emporia fire. The Red Cross says residents should check with Four Seasons management before donating clothing, household items or other supplies — and not to send those items to the Red Cross.
Eucalyptus owns the complex. KVOE News has reached out to local management for additional information.
