KANSAS CITY —Three children were injured in a building fire early Saturday in Kansas City.
Just before 2a.m., crews responded to the report of a building fire at Truman and Park, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported fire from the second story of a two-story structure with connected buildings to the east and the west. Crews made entry from the rear of the structure and got the fire under control quickly.
Fire had extended to the building to the west through the roof line. Crews forced entry and made a search of this structure and discovered what appeared to be storage doors. Upon forcing these doors, they discovered it to be an illegal apartment. Inside the apartment three unattended children ages 9, 4 and 2 were found. The children were treated on scene and transported to Children's Mercy for smoke inhalation and CO exposure.
All three children are stable and being cared for at the hospital, according to Hopkins. KCPD is investigating this issue and working to locate a responsible party.
No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.
"This was outstanding work by the men and women on this scene. Their diligence to ensure the entire structure was cleared during this search saved the lives of these three children." according to Hopkins.
"The CO levels were between 300 and 400 parts per million due to the smoke. These levels are deadly if continuous exposure occurs."