Accidental Fire in Topeka Home Leaves Woman and Child with Minor Injuries
A woman and a child sustained minor injuries in an accidental house fire early Friday morning at 1412 S.E. Lott in Topeka, Kansas. Both victims received hospital treatment, though their names and ages have not been disclosed.
Dan Garrett, Topeka’s director of communications and media relations, confirmed that the fire was caused by a space heater. According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, portable space heaters are responsible for an estimated 1,700 home fires annually in the U.S.
Firefighters responded to the scene around 4 a.m. and encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from the residence. Multiple occupants had already evacuated before emergency crews arrived. The fire caused approximately $83,000 in damage, including $78,000 to the home and $5,000 to a nearby vehicle.
The residence is located about one-and-a-half blocks east of S.E. Indiana Avenue and one block south of S.E. 23rd Street.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Topeka Police Department, Evergy, Kansas Gas Service, and American Medical Response ambulance services.