Resident suffers second-degree burns in apartment fire

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 15, 2006 by James Carlson

By James Carlson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

An early morning fire at a southwest Topeka apartment complex on Monday left extensive damage and sent one person to a local hospital with second-degree burns, according to a Topeka Fire Department news release.

The fire department responded to Briarwood Plaza Condominiums, 2324 S.W. Briarwood Plaza, shortly after 6:50 a.m. Monday to find flames and heavy smoke pouring from a third-floor apartment. The fire was extinguished by 7:28 a.m.

"Our firefighters made an excellent stop on this fire, especially considering the initial reports of flames showing from as far away as Jardine Middle School," said fire department spokesman Greg Bailey in the release.

Two occupants of apartment 307, where the fire originated, had exited the building and were waiting outside by the time firefighters arrived. Both received medical attention at the scene.

One was transported by American Medical Response to St. Francis Health Center with what appeared to be second-degree burns. The other refused transportation but traveled in a personal vehicle to a local hospital for smoke-inhalation concerns.

No names were released.

Firefighters also used a ladder to rescue a third-floor occupant through a window. That person wasn't injured.

Two cats died in the blaze.

Damage to the building, which has 24 units, was estimated at $80,000.

James Carlson can be reached

at (785) 295-1192 or james.carlson@cjonline.com.