MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Montgomery County.
Just after 1p.m. on Friday, Independence Firefighters were dispatched to 1701 N. 10th Street for a reported fire at Garden Walk Apartments.
Units 102, 301, Truck 1, Engine 2, and Medic 3 responded without delay. Upon arrival, Incident Command identified a two-story apartment building consisting of 16 residential units, with heavy smoke showing from a stairwell serving four apartments.
Due to the size and conditions of the incident, a second alarm was immediately requested, bringing in off-duty Independence Fire-EMS personnel, Independence Rural Fire Department, Dearing Fire Department, Cherryvale Fire Department, and Coffeyville Fire Department, which was requested to provide an additional aerial truck.
Independence Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior fire attack utilizing two 1¾-inch hose lines. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing the fire under control. Meanwhile, additional firefighters, working alongside Independence Police Department officers, focused on evacuating residents and ensuring the safety of everyone inside the building.
The incident ultimately escalated to a third alarm, with approximately 25 firefighters operating at the scene. Independence Fire-EMS personnel also responded to multiple medical emergencies while simultaneously managing the structure fire.
As a result of the fire, one apartment sustained total loss, while an additional eight apartments sustained varying degrees of moderate smoke damage.
All residents were safely evacuated. Displaced residents are being temporarily relocated to other available apartments, with additional assistance being coordinated through the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Independence Police Department.