Flames, smoke cause extensive damage to duplex
Dry conditions kept fire crews busy around county
10:04 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2006
Shawnee County firefighters had to call for help battling several blazes Saturday afternoon.
Since it is a holiday weekend many people are setting off fireworks and with dry weather conditions they don't expect a break any time soon.
Firefighters battled one blaze that spread quickly through a duplex in southern Shawnee County.
The State Fire Marshal's office is not calling the fire arson but said it was caused by human means.
Investigators said it started outside the home and it was not mechanical or electrical.
The fire started on the west side of the duplex which no one lives in.
Extensive smoke and water damage is expected on the east side of the home.
Fire fighters rescued a Labrador retriever who is expected to be alright.
Shawnee Heights and Auburn Firefighters not only battled the flames but also the dry heat.
"We are fortunate it did not spread, however we've had several fires around the county today due to the dry conditions and all the fireworks,” said Sgt. Akim Reynolds, Shawnee County.
“It's so dry the conditions are real favorable for fire,” said Captain Ken Scott, Shawnee Heights Fire.
Investigators are asking anyone with information on this fire to call the Shawnee County Sheriff's office at (785) 368-2200 or the State Fire Marshal's office at (785) 224-7229.
Shawnee Heights firefighters were also kept busy earlier this afternoon with a grass fire in east Shawnee County near Douglas County.
One landowner lost more than 50 acres of his 80 acres of property.
Firefighters used four brush trucks and two tankers to put out the fire.
They don't know the cause of the fire but said its just one of many they'll see this holiday weekend.
"Here with the fireworks and everything else as dry as it is, we are probably going to have to an issue,” said Laramie McPherson, Shawnee Heights Fire. “If we don't get some moisture pretty soon, then we are going to be cutting off burning again."
Altogether, Shawnee Heights responded to five grass fires on Saturday.
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