‘Any tiny bit helps:’ Fundraiser started for Buzzard Beach staff after Westport bar fire
A fundraiser has been launched to help staff of Buzzard Beach get a paycheck while the popular Westport bar recovers from a fire that broke out Tuesday.
Organizers Becky De Wit and Kim Moon plan on distributing the money that is raised to the venue’s bartenders so they can pay for food, clothing and rent, according to the GoFundMe page.
“Any tiny bit helps, and will guarantee your place in Bar Heaven!” the page said.
As of Friday morning, the fundraiser had collected over $4,000 in donations.
Fire at the Buzzard Beach bar
The Kansas City Fire Department responded to the blaze at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday in the 4100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, according to Jason Spreitzer, a spokesman with the department.
No one was inside the bar and no injuries were reported, he said.
Assistant Chief Jimmy Walker said flames could be seen peeking out of the building’s second floor upon his arrival. The fire was larger than expected, causing crews to dispatch three hoses, he said.
At least two dozen firefighters and three trucks extinguished the blaze by 11:10 a.m., he said.
Bill Nigro, the building’s owner, looked on as crews scoured the building for hotspots. He said he smelled the smoke from his office a few blocks away and called staff members to ensure everyone was safe.
“We’ll get it all back together and get it open again,” he said.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, Spreitzer said.
