Emporia Fire is into the early stages of investigating Sunday’s fire at 1325 Merchant.
Emporia Fire Marshal Reason Bradford has confirmed the Office of Kansas Fire Marshal is helping with the investigation, as is the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The extent of these agencies’ assistance is not being divulged at this time.
Agencies at the local, state and federal levels are working to determine how Sunday’s fire started and where it started after fire was reported shortly after 4:15 am. It took over 10 hours for the initial fire to be deemed under control, although the fire rekindled briefly by early evening. Two firefighters were hurt and were treated at Newman Regional Health afterward.
The one-time Hornets Pointe apartment complex was reported as vacant and under remodel by Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor during the firefighting effort Sunday. The complex, along with one immediately north at 1333 Merchant, are both owned by Lotus Investments LLC out of Topeka, according to the Lyon County Register of Deeds office. Dr. Sunil Gotru is the contact but has been unavailable for comment.
Several Lyon County fire departments helped with the initial firefighting effort, including Allen-Admire, Americus, Hartford-Neosho Rapids and Olpe.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates as the investigation unfolds.
