The cause of Wednesday’s fire in southwest Emporia is being listed as undetermined.
The fire developed in the back yard at 509 Wilson shortly after 11 am and was initially called out as a structure fire. However, a quick investigation pinpointed the play structure in the back yard as the source point of the fire. The play structure was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived.
The fire was put out quickly with no injuries or any extension to the nearby home or detached garage. The fire downed a power line, causing a small power outage.
Emporia, Americus and Olpe fire crews were dispatched, although Americus and Olpe were canceled before arriving. Evergy also responded to “manage electric services.”
11:55 am Wednesday: Play structure damaged by fire in southwest Emporia
A reported structure fire in southwest Emporia actually dealt with a play structure, not a house, on Wednesday.
Emporia, Americus and Olpe firefighters were dispatched to 509 Wilson shortly after 11 am. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Conley says there was a thick column of smoke visible as crews were actually transferring from one fire station to another after a training session, so there were concerns about a structure fully engulfed in flames. However, a quick investigation pinpointed the play structure in the back yard as the source point of the fire.
Emporia firefighters got the fire out quickly, so Americus and Olpe firefighters were canceled before arriving.
No injuries were reported and there are currently no indications of any extension to the house or nearby garage. An electric line was downed in the alley when firefighters arrived, but it is too soon to say whether that played a role in the fire.
