SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.
Just after 10:30a.m., Wednesday firefighters responded to the fire in a home at 1601 NW Taylor Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from a two story residential house. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, but due to the condition of the house and the advanced fire conditions, firefighters were forced to evacuate and continue with a defensive fire attack.
A single occupant who was inside the residence was evacuated to safety by two bystanders, who are members of the United Steel Workers Local 307.
American Medical response transported the occupant to an area hospital with medical issues not related to the fire, according to Harrison.
The estimated dollar loss – $26,260.00; of which $21,260.00 is associated with a total structural loss and $5,000.00 associated with contents loss.
It is unknown if the home had working smoke detectors. Authorities released no additional details.