SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Kansas house fire have identified the victim as 29-year-old Palmer S. Thompson., according to Police Lt. Shane Hilton.
Just after 7:30a.m. Sunday, Fire crews and American Medical Response were sent to report of a house fire in the 300 block of NE Spruce Lane in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Aaron Jones.
As fire crews were making the initial fire attack, a fire fighter fell through the floor, landing in the basement. A May-day (emergency on the fire ground) was called and the firefighter was subsequently rescued by other firefighters on scene. The firefighter who fell through the floor was not
injured and continued fighting the fire.
During a search of the residence, fire crews found Thompson and removed him from the residence as others continued to battle the fire. First responders determined the man was deceased under suspicious circumstances, according to Jones.
American Medical Response requested Topeka Police respond to the scene. Topeka Police Detectives and Fire Investigators from the City and State worked together to investigate the incident now considered a homicide investigation.
Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The estimated dollar loss is $121,540 total loss with $106,540 in damage to the structure and $15,000 in contents. The home also had no working smoke detectors.
SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal Kansas house fire.
Just after 7:30a.m. Sunday, Fire crews and American Medical Response were sent to report of a house fire in the 300 block of NE Spruce Lane in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.
Fire crews found a man and removed him from the residence as others continued to battle the fire. First responders determined the man was deceased under suspicious circumstances, according to Jones.
American Medical Response requested Topeka Police respond to the scene. Topeka Police Detectives and Fire Investigators from the City and State are currently working together to investigate the incident.