Apartment building near 55th and Everett catches fire

Firefighters responded to a fire at an apartment building under construction near 55th and Everett overnight. It appeared to be an explosion, but that is still under investigation, according to a Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department spokesman. There were no injuries. (Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department photo)

An apartment building under construction near 55th and Everett caught fire overnight, according to the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department spokesman.

While there appeared to be an explosion at the site, that is still under investigation, according to the spokesman. There were no injuries.

Residents at nearby apartments were evacuated, the spokesman said.

The fire, originally reported at 11:07 p.m. Sunday, reignited at 3:12 a.m. and firefighters responded again, according to Assistant Chief James (Morris) Letcher, Fire Department spokesman.

When firefighters arrived after the initial call, they saw flames coming from the multi-family apartment building, according to the spokesman. They used hand lines and an aerial fire stream to attack the fire.

Because of the instability of the building, a defensive fire attack was set up, and a second alarm was called, the spokesman stated. Firefighters created a collapse zone around it.

Heavy rescue and Hazmat crews assisted with structural collapse and an odor-like smell on the scene, according to the spokesman.

Nearby apartments were evacuated and checked for gas levels, the spokesman stated. The Board of Public Utilities and Atmos gas companies were called to disconnect the utilities, according to the spokesman.

At 3:12 a.m., emergency calls were received about the fire rekindling. Firefighters saw flames showing from the rear of the building, the spokesman stated. Defensive firefighting techniques were continued, using an aerial fire stream and two hand lines.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and not yet determined, Letcher said.

The estimated damage to the property was about $300,000, according to the Fire Department.