4 p.m. update Tuesday
The Manhattan Fire Department says fire investigators have determined used staining rags that ignited due to spontaneous combustion, were the cause of a garage fire at a Manhattan home early Tuesday morning.
Two cats were rescued from the scene and provided oxygen by Riley County EMS on scene. Another cat died from smoke inhalation. The home’s occupant was able to exit the structure without injury. The estimated total loss was approximately $50,000.
According to the fire department, there was heavy fire and smoke in the garage, but it did not extend into the living area of the house. Building codes require a fire separation between the garage and living space.
The photo below shows how effective a closed door can be in preventing fire from spreading.
Original Story – 6 a.m. Tuesday
The Manhattan Fire Department responded to an overnight garage fire at 1726 Colorado Street.
Crews were dispatched just after 1 a.m. and found a single-story structure with fire showing in the attached garage and heavy smoke coming from inside the home. The fire was contained within 15 minutes, causing an estimated $50,000 in damage to the structure and contents.
Firefighters removed three cats, two of which were provided oxygen on scene and survived. One cat was found dead, due to smoke inhalation.
The fire department says the occupant was home at the time, but able to escape without injury.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
