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NEOSHO COUNTY—A fire that killed two in Chanute started from carelessly discarded smoking materials, according to the Kansas State Fire Marshal's office.
Just after 1:30a.m. March 21, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at the Cornerstone Apartments, 1520 W. 4th Street in Chanute, Kansas, according to a media release from the office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.
First responders found the south half of the 3-story, 24-unit apartment building was fully engulfed in flames and residents were jumping from windows to escape.
Chanute Firefighters, Police Officers, and responders from Neosho County Emergency Medical Services arrived and rescued several residents of the apartment building, while requesting mutual aid assistance from the Parsons, Iola, and Thayer Fire Departments.
Tragically, two residents of the apartment building died in the blaze. Kalyn Jones, 22, was found deceased at the scene. Jolavon Haymaker, 90, passed away after being airlifted with severe injuries to K.U. Medical Center in Kansas City.
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Seven other residents of the building were injured, and were treated and released by a local hospital.
The Chanute Fire Department requested assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal in investigating the cause and origin of the fire. A team of certified fire investigators from the State Fire Marshal; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE); the Neosho County Sheriff's Office; and Sedgwick County Fire District 1 responded.
The team has spent more than 140 investigative hours conducting a logical investigation of the fire, reviewing physical evidence at the scene, and completing more than 35 interviews of residents and witnesses.
“Our investigation determined the cause of the fire at the Cornerstone Apartments was accidental,” said State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm.
“The fire started due to carelessly discarded smoking materials on an exterior balcony of the building.” High wind conditions rapidly drove the fire up the exterior of the building and through an adjacent, open stairwell.
Because of its rapid growth up the exterior of the building, the fire extended into the attic before it was detected by a resident. The resident activated the fire alarm as they fled, however the fire destroyed the alarm system wiring shortly after it was activated, silencing the fire alarms.
The Chanute Community Foundation has set up a dedicated fund to collect monetary donations to assist those affected by the fire. Monetary donations may be dropped off at the Chanute Area Chamber, 21 N. Lincoln, and several local banks.