UPDATED Tuesday 4:04 p.m.:
Fire investigators say the improper disposal of smoking materials were to blame for Monday’s apartment fire at Founders Hill in Manhattan.
Officials with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Manhattan Fire Department, Fort Riley Department and the Junction City Fire Department concluded the investigation Tuesday afternoon.
Investigators determined that the fire started on the second floor balcony in the southwest corner of building “G” of the complex near the intersection of College Avenue and Claflin Road. The fire quickly spread up the building, pushed by strong southerly winds, by means of the balconies above and had reached the attic area prior to the fire department arrival.
The loss to the building is now estimated as $3.5 million dollars with an additional $500,000 loss to the contents.
There are 41 residents that continue to be displaced by the fire.
UPDATED Tuesday 2:13 p.m.:
A three-alarm apartment fire that kept regional fire and emergency crews busy at Founders Hill apartment complex in Manhattan Monday afternoon resulted in damages estimated at $2 million, according to the Manhattan Fire Department.
The building was a four-story, 28-unit apartment building, with 27 of the units occupied. The building is a total loss.
There were no injuries and four pets were rescued.
A total 91 residents were evacuated at the height of the fire, with 45 remaining displaced indefinitely. The property management company is First Management, Inc. of Lawrence, and the owner is listed as Manwest LLC, also of Lawrence.
First Management Inc. has provided motel rooms for the affected residents and the American Red Cross is also offering assistance to residents. Kansas State University students affected can receive assistance by calling the Kansas State University Office of Student Life at (785) 532-6432.
K-State said in a press release Tuesday that students or employees affected by the fire were encouraged to attend a meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday in the K-State Student Union’s Little Theater. Information was shared about campus and community resources for assistance.
Firefighters remained on scene overnight extinguishing hot spots. The Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal, along with investigators from Manhattan Fire Department and Riley County Police Department, began the fire investigation Tuesday monring. The fire cause is under investigation at this time. Anyone who has pictures or video of the fire is asked to email them along with their contact information to RCPD@rileycountypolice.org in the event this becomes a criminal investigation.
“A special thank you to the Riley County Police Department, Riley County Emergency Medical Services, Riley County Emergency Management, Kansas State University Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, City of Manhattan, American Red Cross, as well as our mutual aid fire departments, for their support of our Department and the citizens affected” said MFD Fire Chief Scott French. “The teamwork and cooperation displayed by our emergency services partners is unmatched and we are truly grateful for their help.”
UPDATED Monday 7 p.m.:
Emergency crews were called for a three-alarm fire at the Founders Hill apartment complex in Manhattan near the intersection of College Avenue and Claflin Road Monday afternoon. Surrounding streets including much of College Avenue are blocked off as crews continue dealing with the fire.
No injuries have been reported and residents of and near the apartment were evacuated.
Emergency officials told KMAN four pets were rescued and the cause of the blaze — which caused substantial damage to the roof of the apartment “G” of the complex — is still under investigation.
A release from Kansas State University reads as followed:
Any Kansas State University students affected by the Oct. 17 fire at Manhattan’s Founders Hill apartment complex, which is off campus, should call the Office of Student Life at 785-532-6432 for assistance.
KMAN will have more information as the situation develops.
