Fire pit on deck likely caused an Overland Park duplex fire that left 5 without a home
A fire pit was likely the cause of an Overland Park fire that left five people without a home and killed a cat, officials said.
Overland Park and Lenexa fire department crews responded to the scene in the 9100 block of West 83rd Street just before 3 p.m., according to the Overland Park Fire Department.
It took about 45 minutes for crews to control the fire, which caused significant damage to the duplex.
No people were injured.
Neighbors told investigators they saw the occupants of the duplex had a fire pit burning on a wooden deck, and shortly after noticed the deck was on fire.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
Three adults and one child from one side of the duplex will receive assistance from the Red Cross to find housing. The occupant of the other side plans to stay with friends.
The Overland Park Fire Department stresses that people should “refrain from using fire pits and charcoal grills on wooden decks.” Both should also be kept at least 10 feet away from materials that could catch on fire.
