Post updated at 12:12 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17:
Residents of two apartments near KU’s campus have been displaced after an overnight fire.
Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical first responders were dispatched at 2:23 a.m. Thursday to a fire at 1430 Louisiana St., according to a news release from the department. The building has 12 units, according to county property records.
Initial calls “indicated that flames were showing on the balcony of an apartment and fire alarms were sounding within the building,” according to the release. “In addition to fire alarms, some occupants worked to ensure all the building’s residents were notified of the fire.”
Firefighters found an active fire on two balconies on the second and third stories of the building as they arrived, according to the release. By 2:36 a.m., all apartments had been searched and no occupants remained inside. The fire was under control at 3:12 a.m., according to the release.
Two residents were evaluated for minor smoke inhalation but didn’t require further medical attention, according to the release. There were no injuries to fire personnel reported.
“Additional medic units were added to the incident to provide space for displaced residents to stay warm,” according to the release.
Two units were determined to be uninhabitable because of fire damage, according to the release.
The cause of the fire was improper disposal of smoking materials, LDCFM said in an updated release at noon Thursday.
“LDCFM wants to remind our community to have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms installed throughout our homes,” according to the release. “These devices, escape plans, and closed doors truly make a difference.”
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