Man dies after Kansas City, Kansas fire

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- A man in his early 70s was killed in a fire in Kansas City, Kan., Thursday night.

The fire happened just after 8 p.m. on Thursday at 865 Metropolitan Avenue.

Firefighters rescued the man from the home and was taken to the hospital, but later died there. A dog and a cat were also killed in the fire, though firefighters were able to save two of the dogs.

There were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire.

Burn permits available for Kansas City, Kansas residents in April

News Release from the KCK Fire Department:

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Residents in Kansas City, Kansas are allowed to apply for a burn permit for the time period of the month of April 2015 and the time period of October 16, 2015 through November 15, 2015 at any of the Fire Stations currently staffed by the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department.  Kansas City, Kansas residents are limited to one 3-day burn permit per burn period that allows for the combustion of one 10 foot by 10 foot or smaller pile of naturally occurring residential organic yard waste generated onsite.   If you operate a business out of your home you are classified as a business and cannot participate.  Applications must be received and approved at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of burning.  Open burning with a permit is allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The resident doing the burning must be at the burning site at all times.  Residents shall maintain a copy of the burn permit on site, an adequate water supply and/or fire extinguisher while conducting open burning.  In no circumstance shall open burning occur within 15 feet of any building or within 15 feet from any one's property line.  Piling of brush, tree limbs, grass and other organic materials are limited in size to 100 square feet at the base.

Each Burn Permit allows for one organic pile per permit, one permit per residential property.   (yard waste generated such as tree limbs, leaves, weeds, brush and grass) All organic materials burned within the city limits of Kansas City, Kansas are limited to organic materials and/or burning without a permit shall be subject to Section I-7 (General Penalty, Continuing Violations) of the general provisions code of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK.

At no time shall wire insulation, tires, rubber products, plastic, automobile products, paper, cardboard, construction chemicals, household chemicals or any other material that normally emits dense smoke, noxious odors or hazardous air pollutants be burned.

At any time, the Fire Chief or his designeemay revoke burn permits or ban open burning.  Weather conditions (high winds, low humidity) may make open burning too dangerous.  Open burning may also be suspended when air pollution "Red Alert" days are declared by the Mid America Regional Council, MARC, and the Unified Government.

Four high school students hit by vehicle

Kansan Staff Report

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Four high school students were hit by a vehicle Friday afternoon on the 1300 Block of Troup Avenue.

Candlelight vigil to be held Feb. 1 in honor of homicide victim Latisha Hare

By NICK SLOAN
nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- A candlelight vigil and balloon release will be held in honor of Latisha Hare, a Kansas City, Kan., resident who was murdered in February 2014.

69-year-old woman found dead in KCK fire

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- A 69-year-old woman was killed in a fire this weekend in Kansas City, Kan.

The fire happened shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday morning at 204 N. 2nd Street. Firefighters arrived at the residential four-plex, discovering heavy fire near the front on the building.

The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide

Courtesy of the KCK Fire Department

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often called the silent killer because it is an odorless, colorless, and invisible gas.  Carbon monoxide is produced anytime that fuels (such as gasoline, kerosene, wood, natural gas, oil and propane) burn incompletely.

According to the National Safety Council approximately 200 – 300 deaths a year are the result of CO poisoning.

The Kansas City Kansas Fire Department responds to over 50 calls a year to homes and businesses that have elevated levels of carbon monoxide.  Even small amounts of CO over a long period can result in an individual becoming sick.

CO poisoning can present itself in a number of ways.  Many people report flu like symptoms; nausea and headaches.  Other symptoms may be dizziness, light headiness and shortness of breath.  CO poisoning will sometimes mimic heart problems.  

People often report that after they are outside of their residence they begin to feel better and then upon reentering their homes they begin to feel sick again.  High levels of CO exposure can result in death within minutes.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is treatable.

The danger of CO poisoning is directly related to a number of variables which include a victim’s health and activity level. Infants and pregnant women, and people with physical conditions that limit their body's ability to use oxygen (i.e. emphysema, asthma, heart disease) can be more severely affected by lower concentrations of CO than healthy adults would be.

There are many sources of possible CO producing equipment in the home.  Heating equipment such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fueled space heaters and fireplaces all produce some levels of CO.

As long as this equipment is ventilated properly there will be little if any elevated levels of CO.
Another source of CO production is vehicles and generators that are left running in an attached garage.

So how do you protect yourself and loved ones?  The simplest solution is to purchase a CO detector. These alarms are very sensitive and can detect any elevated carbon monoxide level.

The detectors can be purchased at hardware stores, home improvement stores, some department stores and plumbing and heating stores.  Install your carbon monoxide alarm in a centrally located area outside of each sleeping area.

These CO alarms will need to be checked monthly and replaced according to the manufacturers’ recommendations.  CO alarms are not a substitute for a smoke alarm; you need both types of alarms.

Learn and know the difference between the sound of the smoke alarm and the sound of the CO alarm.
Some other precautions that you should take are:

• Use barbeque grills outside.  Do not bring them into your home or garage.

• Have all heating and cooking equipment in your home checked yearly by a professional.

• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.

• Make sure you open the flue in your fireplace when in use.

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

If you suspect that you may be a victim of CO poisoning or your CO alarm sounds move to fresh air and stay there.  In Kansas City, Kansas you may call the Fire Department for assistance.   Wait until the emergency crews on scene say that it is okay to reenter the building.

KCK Fire Department investigating fire at 3057 S. 23rd Circle

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department is investigating a fire that happened Tuesday morning at 3057 S. 23rd Circle.

Firefighters reported to the scene just before 1:30 a.m. No one was injured, but the fire caused about $35,000 worth of damage.

KCK firefighter injured while battling fire

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department is investigating a fire at 3116 Lafayette. 

The fire happened at around 7:30 p.m. on January 4. One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze.

Full statement from the fire department:

Crews on the scene within one minute reported fire showing from the front of a one story wood framed residential structure. Crews informed everyone out of the structure. Primary search confirmed everyone out of structure. Fire was extinguished within 30 minutes. BPU called to shut off power to structure. 

Red Cross called to assist 2 adults and 3 children. Fire Investigator responded to  scene. Pre-fire value of structure and contents $110,000. Fire loss to property and contents $30,000. Fire is under investigation. One firefighter injured ankle during firefighting activities. No other injuries reported.

Unattended candle may be to blame for KCK fire

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- A fire at 6324 Cleveland Ave., caused $35,000 worth of damage on Friday morning.

Firefighters reported to the scene just before 8 a.m. Friday morning.

The fire remains under investigation, but an unattended candle may have been the cause, according to the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.

No one was injured.

KCK Fire Department investigating suspicious fire on Armstrong

By NICK SLOAN
nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department is investigating a suspicious fire that happened at a vacant home on 844 Armstrong Avenue.

Firefighters responded to the fire shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday morning.

No one was hurt in the fire.

The fire caused roughly $40,000 worth of damage.

“Crews on the scene within three minutes reported smoke showing from a one-story wood framed residential structure,” said Craig Duke, PIO Deputy Chief for the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department. “Crews performed a primary search and confirmed that structure was vacant. Crews found fire in front room area that had extended into attic. Fire was under control within 20 minutes.”

The fire remains under investigation.

Kansas City, Kansas firefighters investigating fire from Sunday

By NICK SLOAN
nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department is investigating a fire that happened on Sunday morning.

The fire was reported shortly after 4 a.m. on Sunday morning. It happened at 1619 N. 38th Street.

The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department says that it's possible the fire was caused by an electrical error.

No one was injured in the fire.

"Crews on the scene within five minutes reported fire coming from the attic of a one- story, wood-framed, residential structure," said Craig Duke, Battalion Chief of the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department. "Crews were informed that all occupants had self- evacuated. Primary search confirmed all occupants out of the structure."

The fire caused $20,000 worth of property damage and about $5,000 worth of contents inside the home were destroyed.

Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club recognizes

KCK Rotary Club

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- The Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club, at its October 14, 2014, luncheon, recognized this year’s Public Safety professional from the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.

Annually the Club recognizes an outstanding public safety professional from the Fire Department.  This Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club program demonstrates/shows appreciation to the individuals who do so much to protect our community.

The leadership of the Fire Department selects an outstanding individual from their department to receive this award, recognizing the individual’s dedication and service to our community.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Captain Timothy R. Cottrell.  He is a prime examples of the great men and women of the KCK Fire Department who are protecting us every day.  Captain Cottrell was introduced by Fire Chief John Paul Jones, who shared highlights of Captain Cottrell’s professionalism and heroism.

Senior Deputy Chief Craig Duke, Deputy Chief Mike Wilson and Senior Operations Chief Dave Korosac also accompanied Captain Cottrell and Chief Jones at the award presentation.

KCK firefighter injured while battling fire

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- A Kansas City, Kan., firefighter was injured while battling a fire at 5625 Sutton Ave.

The fire happened on Thursday morning just after 9:30 a.m.

The fire, which remains under investigation, caused $168,000 worth of damage to the property. An additional $100,000 worth of damage was done to contents inside the home.

The firefighter suffered minor burns to the neck.

More information:

Crews on the scene within 3 minutes reported fire and smoke showing from a split-level wood framed residential structure. Crews were informed that all residents had self-evacuated after smoke detectors alerted them. Primary search of structure confirmed all residents were out of the structure. Fire was located in basement area utility room. Fire had extended through walls to attic area. 

Crews had fire in basement under area control within 15 minutes. Crews worked on locating fire extension in walls and attic to extinguish. Fire Investigator responded to scene. Fire is under investigation. Estimated damage to structure $110,000. Pre-fire value of structure $168,000. Estimated damage to contents $90,000.

Estimated pre-fire value of contents $110,000. Red Cross was called to assist family of one elderly male, adult daughter, and adult granddaughter. Two family cats succumbed to injuries in the fire. BPU and gas service responded to shut off utilities to structure. One firefighter received minor burns to neck area. Firefighter was transported non-emergency to area medical center to be evaluated. No other injuries reported.

UG looks to increase diversity for KCK police, fire departments

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department recently welcomed 42 new firefighters.

Not one was African-American.

For Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland, this is a concern that should matter for Wyandotte County.

Holland and the Unified Government Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Thursday evening to talk about the lack of diversity in Wyandotte County's public safety departments.

According to the Unified Government, 55 percent of the population of Wyandotte County is either Hispanic or African-American. Yet, 77 percent of police officers in Wyandotte County are white and 87 percent of firefighters are white.

"My simple goal is because Kansas City, Kan., leads the metro in diversity, I expect our public safety to lead the metro in diversity as well," Holland said. "We need a replicable model."

Holland said he contacted the U.S. Department of Justice about the situation and has developed a task force filled with local community members about the matter. The task force is expected to come up with a plan by April 2015.

Holland said the task force will attempt to discover some of the barriers that may prevent a more diverse police squad or fire department.

Also looming over the matter is the situation in Ferguson, Mo.

Holland, along with Kansas City, Kan., Police Chief Ellen Hanson, said Ferguson was a reminder of the importance of the relationship between the police department and the community.

"All of us have been touched by the crisis in Ferguson," Holland said. "That tragedy exposed the disconnect between the community and law enforcement."

Hanson said she feels the KCK Police Department has a good relationship with the community, particularly the minority community.

"We feel really good about the relationships we have with the community," Hanson said. "We have ramped up our contact with the minority communities."

Hanson said members of the KCK Police Department have taken part in nearly 600 community meetings during the year throughout Wyandotte County.

Woman killed in KCK fire identified

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- A woman killed in a house fire in Kansas City, Kan., has been identified.

Carole Young, 53, was killed in a fire that happened July 10 at 1025 Greeley Avenue. Her family was notified of the identification.

The fire department said the fire remains under investigation. 

More information about the fire:

Crews on the scene within 3 minutes reported smoke coming from the front of a one story, wood framed residential structure. Crews were informed by neighbors that they were unsure if anyone was in the structure. During primary search crews located a female victim at the rear of the structure. 

Victim was immediately removed from fire structure and crews initiated advanced life care. Victim was transported emergency to UKMC were she succumbed to her injuries. Victim was a female in her early fifties. Fire was extinguished within 15 minutes.

Fire Investigators responded to scene. Fire is under investigation at this time. Pre-fire value of structure $55,000. Estimated damage to structure and contents $35,000.

No other injuries reported. Personal information on victim will not be released until family has been notified.

COMMENTARY: Be aware of fireworks safety

KCK Fire Department

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Just in time for the fourth of July, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its Fireworks report which explores fire and injury dangers related to consumer fireworks. 

The report shows that in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks and 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. 

It also shows that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year.  Fireworks account for two out of five of the fires, more than any other cause.

“Thousands of people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year because of incidents involving consumer fireworks and many times these injuries are extremely painful and require long-term recovery – using consumer fireworks is simply not the worth the risk,” said James Shannon, president of NFPA.  “We encourage families to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.”

The Fireworks report outlines specific statistics regarding how the use of consumer fireworks relates to fire danger including:

• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires.

• These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage. (http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Research/Fact%20sheets/Fireworksfactsheet.pdf)

The report demonstrates using consumer fireworks heightens the risk of injury and even death.  The study showed:

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest among young people 15 – 24, followed by children under the age of 10

• Sparklers and novelties alone accounted for 25 percent of the 8,700 emergency room fireworks injuries in 2012.

Kansas City Kansas Fire Department offers the following Safety Tips:

• Purchase fireworks from reliable sources, never discharge homemade or illegal fireworks.

• Have a responsible adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.

• Prepare a safe environment outdoors for shooting off fireworks by selecting an area clear of other fireworks, combustible materials like dried wood or grass, buildings, and other people.

• Have water readily available such as a garden hose and a bucket of water.

• Always read and follow label directions for the safe discharge of fireworks.  Fireworks users should wear tight clothing to avoid accidental contact with sparks and use eye protection when handling and lighting fireworks.

• Light fireworks one at a time and wait until it discharges, never attempt to re-light a device that did not discharge the first time it was lit.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket; they may ignite due to sparks and cause injury.

• Do not throw or point fireworks at people or animals.  Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

• Dispose of spent fireworks properly when you are done by soaking them in water before putting them in a trash can

Kansas City, Kansas Ordinance Sec. 15-91. Prohibited Fireworks

The sale, use, manufacture, storage, possession, and discharge of all pyrotechnic items not approved in section 15-90 are prohibited, except as otherwise provided in this article, including, but not limited to, the following items:

(1)    Bottle rocket. Any rocket mounted on a stick.

(2)    Sky rocket. Tube not exceeding one-half of an inch (12.5 millimeters) interior diameter that may contain up to 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition. Sky rockets contain a wooden stick for guidance and stability and rise into the air upon ignition. A burst of color, noise, or both is produced at the height of flight.

(3)    Missile-type rocket. A device similar to a sky rocket in size, composition, and effect that uses fins rather than a stick for guidance and stability and has a report.

(4)    Unmanned aerial luminary; sky, Chinese, or Kongming lantern; sky candle; or fire balloon. A device resembling a small hot air balloon, constructed of lightweight material which is capable of traveling through the air when powered by fire or a fuel cell until such fire or fuel cell deteriorates, causing such device to fall to the ground at an unknown location.

The Kansas City Kansas Fire Marshal asks that if any citizen witnesses the sale of illegal fireworks at any firework stand, to call and report the incident to the Fire Marshal at:
913-573-5938

Kansas City, Kansas firefighters investigating fire in Western Wyandotte County

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department is investigating a Saturday afternoon fire that happened in Western Wyandotte County.

Firefighters reported to 3829 N. 123rd Terrace on Saturday at around 4:30 p.m.

No one was hurt in the fire, but about $30,000 worth of damage was reported to the home. The fire was discovered in the basement of the home.

It remains under investigation.

Man injured during fire in Kansas City, Kansas home

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- A man was injured in a fire at a home in Kansas City, Kan., Saturday evening.

Kansas City, Kan., firefighters reported to 1924 N. 4th Street just after 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The cause of the fire, according to the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department, was gasoline being stored near a water heater.

According to KCK Fire Department PIO Deputy Chief Craig Duke, the gas and a lawnmower were stored near the water heater. During the fire, the injured resident suffered second and third degree burns to the lower portion of his body.

"Crews on the scene within three minutes reported fire showing from the side of a two-story wood-framed residential structure," Duke said in a news release. "Crews were informed that all occupants had self evacuated."

About $15,000 worth of damage was done to the home.

The American Red Cross assisted three adults and one child on the scene.

Kansas City, Kansas firefighters investigating fire to vacant home

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- A fire to a vacant home in Kansas City, Kan., caused about $5,000 worth of damage.

No one was hurt in the fire, which remains under investigation by the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.

Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

"Crews were informed that no one had lived in the residence for over a month," said Craig Duke, public information officer for the KCK Fire Department. "Crews were performing internal attack on fire when the structure had to be evacuated due to roof collapsing."

The fire was under control within 50 minutes.

According to Duke, strong wind gusts and downed power-lines were a problem during the battle.

Gas vapor explosion at salvage yard injures one

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- An employee at a local salvage yard was injured after an explosion Wednesday afternoon.

The incident happened at 836 S. 26th Street just after 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department, employees smelled gas while welding in a part of the yard when the explosion happened.

"Workers indicated they had an odor of gasoline in the area when there was an explosion. Causing crushed vehicles to catch on fire. One employee was treated for minor flash burns to face area."

The fire is under investigation by the KCK Fire Department.

No one else was injured and outside of damage done to already crushed vehicles, no loss of property was reported.