One dead, many injured after massive fire at Chanute apartments

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a fatal fire at a Chanute apartment complex. The Chanute Police Department said one person died, and there are numerous injuries.

Just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday, the Chanute Fire Department responded to an alarm at the Cornerstone Apartment Complex, 1610 W. 4th Street. The complex has 24 units, and all of them were occupied.

Crews found half of the apartment building fully involved in a fire, with flames coming from the roof. Sandy Heffernon’s video shows the blaze.

Police started evacuating the building. The Chanute Fire Department called for other area fire departments to help. Fire departments from Parsons, Iola, and Thayer responded.

Crews spent much of the day putting out hot spots and are now focusing on the investigation.

Sedgwick County Fire District 1 sent in a team to help with the fire investigation. Investigator Rusty Vollintine and K-9 Benny are assisting the ATF, KSFM, and the Chanute Fire Department.

HELPING THE VICTIMS

The Red Cross has set up an emergency center at Central Park Pavilion, 101 S. Forest Ave., to help residents of the apartment who need shelter and assistance. Red Cross disaster workers will be at the pavilion until 6 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Residents who cannot make it during those times should call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

People who want to donate clothing items for the apartment residents should drop them off at the Consignment store at 109 E. Main St. in Chanute.

“Since we got here at 6:30 this morning, there’s been a constant flow of people bringing in clothing, personal hygiene items, canned goods, things that you normally don’t think about,” said a Red Cross volunteer.

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The Nazarene Church is accepting donations of household goods, personal care hygiene items, etc. The church will assist in dispersing the items.

Neosho County Emergency Management said officials are still working out how people can donate money for the victims.

The Chanute Public Library is offering free printing and faxes for fire victims who need to submit insurance claims or reclaim vital documents, like birth certificates or marriage licenses.

The Chanute Housing Authority is accepting applications for housing for those displaced by the apartment fire. They cannot provide emergency housing, but there is a hotel with rooms available for short-term housing.

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