Two people were rescued from an early morning structure fire near downtown Manhattan Tuesday morning.
The Manhattan Fire Department says crews responded to 509 Pierre Street just after 6 a.m. and found flames showing from a second floor apartment and found two people on the porch roof. According to officials, a passerby had put up a ladder, climbed onto the porch and helped an occupant out of a second-floor window and onto the porch roof. When crews arrived, a fire department ladder was raised, allowing both to come down safely.
A short time later, firefighters entered the home and rescued another person reportedly trapped inside. That person, who was unconscious, was found on the second floor and quickly removed from the home. Both occupants were transported by Riley County EMS.
Two others who live in the building escaped prior to the fire department’s arrival. The passerby was not injured. Officials said two dogs and a cat also died in the fire. Another dog was taken to K-State Vet Med for treatment.
Damage is estimated at $125,000, including structural damage and content loss. The cause remains under investigation. The Kansas State Fire Marshal and Riley County Police Department are assisting with the investigation.
