SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal apartment fire in Topeka have identified the woman who died as Lynette Newman, 60, of Topeka, according to a statement released Tuesday from the Topeka Fire Department.
Just after 9p.m. March 4, crews responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.
Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.
Newman was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units were displaced by the fire.
The preliminary cause of the fire was determined unattended cooking and not an accidental electrical fire. Authorities released no additional details on Tuesday.