A structure fire north of Manhattan early Sunday morning was likely fireworks related according to Riley County Fire Chief Pat Collins.
Fire District No. 1 responded around 12:40 a.m to a fully engulfed 50 X 70 foot shop building located at 3787 High Plains Ranch, just north of Manhattan, east of Seth Child Road. More than two dozen volunteer firefighters from six stations helped bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.
Collins says it took several hours for crews to get a handle on the fire as they had to bring in more than 14,000 gallons of water to the scene. The shop and it’s contents were a total loss.
Damage is estimated at $200,000 to the building and $100,000 to its contents. Collins says Greg Roles is the listed property owner.
While no official cause was listed, Collins says it appears to have started from fireworks.
