Carelessly discarded cigarette, strong winds blamed for starting Overland Park house fire

A carelessly discarded cigarette and strong winds are believed to have started a late-night fire in Overland Park.

The fire was discovered just before midnight at a house in the 9600 block of W. 128th Terrace.

The first arriving firefighters reported fire around a second story window, according to a release from the Overland Park Fire Department. Fire crews extinguished the fire, which caused minor damage inside the home.

All of the occupants escaped uninjured.

Fire investigators believe a discarded cigarette caused the fire.

Because of the dry and windy conditions, fire officials are urging people to make sure their discarded cigarettes are extinguished by placing them in sand or water.

This story was originally published January 27, 2014 at 7:24 AM with the headline "Carelessly discarded cigarette, strong winds blamed for starting Overland Park house fire."