SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that did damage to several homes in Topeka.
Just before 4:00 PM, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1271 S.W. Western Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison. As they arrived, fire crews observed heavy fire and smoke present at the rear of the residence and spreading rapidly to the adjacent structures.
A search of this residence revealed that it was vacant at the time of the incident. The fire was extinguished at 1271 S.W. Western Ave. but not before 1269 S.W. Western Ave. and 1275 S.W. Western Ave. sustained exterior siding fire damage. Estimated total damage is listed at $38,000, according to Harrison.
1271 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $32,000 to the structure and no contents loss. 1269 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $2,500 structural damage and no contents loss. 1275 S.W. Western Ave. sustained an estimated $3,500 structural damage, no contents loss.
Fire investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home. Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).