By Dewey Terrill
Junction City Fire Department
UPDATE:
On February 19, 2026, at approximately 1358 hours, the Junction City Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire at The Bluffs apartment complex, located at 1810 Caroline Avenue, Building O.
Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and visible flames coming from second- and third-floor balconies on the front (east) side of the building. Fire had extended into the roof structure on the east side of the complex.
Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Fort Riley Fire for a ladder truck, and Geary County Fire Dept. responded with an additional engine for support. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while additional crews conducted a primary search of the structure and assisted residents with evacuation. Because of the large apartment complex, Junction City Police Department personnel also assisted with precautionary evacuations on the non-fire side of the building.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 2:56 P.M.
Building O consists of 34 apartment units. A total of 17 units were affected by the fire, with 7 units determined to be a total loss. Twenty-four occupants were displaced as a result of the incident. EMS personnel evaluated individuals on scene, and no serious injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is currently undetermined. The investigation is being conducted by the Junction City Fire Department with assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Initial damage estimates are approximately $700,000 in fire and smoke damage. The estimated total value of Building O is approximately $3.4 million.
The American Red Cross and Fort Riley military personnel assisted displaced residents with temporar
Firefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were not any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.
The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.
junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley.
The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of. The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.
This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.