Aug 19, 2021

Fire Marshal: $50K damage after Kan. restaurant fire

Posted Aug 19, 2021 7:00 AM

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fire at a restaurant in Topeka.

Just after 2a.m., firefighters responded to the report of a  fire at Topeka Pizza, 1630 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

As they arrived, they saw smoke showing from a roof vent. Fire crews made access and found heavy smoke throughout the building but no active fire, according to Harrison.

 After further investigation it was revealed that a water line had burst, extinguishing the fire that had started in a utility room. 

Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, more likely than not associated with an electrical issue. The estimated dollar loss – $50,000; $40,000 associated with building loss, and $10,000 associated with contents loss.

There were no occupants were in the restaurant at the time of the fire. Fire investigators also found no working smoke detectors in the restaurant.  There were no injuries reported.