TOPEKA, Kan. — Four structures were damaged Tuesday evening after a fire broke out in the 500 block of SW Polk Street in downtown Topeka.
According to Topeka Fire Chief Chad Longstaff, the call came in shortly after 8 p.m. on Dec. 9. When crews arrived, they found three homes actively burning. The flames later spread to a fourth structure before firefighters were able to bring the incident under control.
The house where the fire is believed to have originated was undergoing renovation. An individual inside the property reported hearing popping noises before noticing the fire and escaping without injury. Fire officials said no other injuries were reported.
Kansas Gas and Evergy responded to the area to assist with securing utilities while Topeka Fire and Police crews worked at the scene. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhood gathered as firefighting efforts continued into the night. Authorities have not yet released an estimate of property loss or confirmed whether any of the affected homes were occupied.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
