KCKFD has warning for others after fire destroys family’s home
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A family of nine is looking for a new place to live after their home went up in flames, and a cold weather culprit may be to blame. The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department says it’s focused on how you can prevent a similar misfortune.
Four generations who lived in the home are now looking for a place to live. Family said an investigator with KCKFD said it was likely due to a space heater.
Mom Jennifer Lesher and daughter Haleigh Smith smelled something burning Saturday night just before 7p.m. In a flash, their home was filled with smoke.
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Smith said nine people live there, and everyone who was home made it out safely.
Family said their grandparents have rented this home for a decade, and they don’t have insurance.
“It’s a lot – from not being able to go back home, to not having any of my stuff,” Smith said.
Smith said basically all they have left is a bag of clothes and Lesher’s purse.
“I just feel so lost. Where do you begin? I just want to go home,” Lesher said, “and I don’t even have a picture of my babies when they were babies.”
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KCK Fire Marshal John Doppelmann said the fire started in the basement.
Investigators believe the cause is improper use of a space heater. Although, Doppelmann said they haven’t yet ruled out improper disposal of smoking materials.
He said they see a spike in calls surrounding space heaters when there’s a rapid change in temperature.
He warns people not to plug them into power strips or extension cords.
“Keep a 3-foot clear space around it,” Doppelmann said, “and make sure you don’t leave it running when you leave the home.”
Lesher is grateful her family made it out alive.
After they ran out of the house, they heard what sounded like an explosion that broke out the windows.
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“Knowing that the dogs were in there,” Lesher said. “I thought they were going to burn to death.”
Lesher said firefighters saved their two dogs from the smoke and flames.
“I’m just thankful for those firefighters,” Lesher said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help this family recover.
