The causes of two structure fires keep Wichita investigators busy
Wichita firefighters were in a "defensive mode" as they fought two fires this morning.
The first fire was found in the center apartment of a triplex in the 3000 block of S. Clifton in Planeview. Shortly after the firefighters arrived, flames could be seen burning through the roof.
Battalion Chief John Carney told KFDI's Wil Day at the scene the fire started in the center apartment and is a total loss. The damage estimate is $50,000.
A power line fell down onto a chain link fence, and firefighters were warned not to touch the fence until Westar Energy could disconnect the power line.
The second house fire was in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Dr. near 143rd St. E. and Kellogg. That fire (pictured) also burned through the roof.
Shirley and Kenneth Brown live next door and told KFDI's John Wright the fire was "really blazing" when they stepped outside to find out where the sirens were coming from.
"It was really going," Shirley Brown said. "I thought it was going to catch the other houses on fire the way it was coming out. But (the firefighters) were watching it, and they did a really good job containing it."
"Crews went in and got about halfway in before it became too dangerous for them," said Wichita Fire Department Captain David Hersh. "There was too much fire in the basement for them to stay on the ground floor. It was getting weak, so they came out."
When firefighters in Wichita go "defensive," it means they must leave the inside of the burning structure because it's too dangerous.
One firefighter went to a hospital with back pain. He was treated and released.
The total fire and smoke damage estimate on Twinlake Drive is $300,000.
The causes of both fires are under investigation.
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