This afternoon (12/3/13) a 3 alarm fire occurred at an apartment complex in Overland Park, KS. I just happened to be on call so when I saw the news pop up on my Facebook feed I quickly stopped what I was doing (I was at the library using a computer for my job search, who needs a job right? I do but that's a different topic for a different day...) and headed to my car. I called the DDO and steered my car towards the direction of the fire knowing the DDO would call me back while I was on my way.
Once I knew our communications team was on the way I was able to focus on getting information about how many residents are affected that might need assistance, where we can stage, etc. As usual, EMS, fire and police were very helpful. The Red Cross has a good working relationship with first responders which benefits everyone involved in disasters such as large apartment fires. The Red Cross takes the lead in getting information from the apartment manager regarding occupancy so that everyone can be accounted for. This allows fire, EMS and police to continue their focus on rescue, fire suppression and containment of the scene as well as other tasks they need to complete in these types of disasters.
This was a pretty big fire. One building was burning which put the adjacent buildings at risk. In all, 3 buildings were affected. Unfortunately one resident was taken to the hospital with serious burns. Several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries including smoke inhalation. One OP Police Officer was also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and was released later in the evening. Residents were very appreciative of the quick response from police to the scene. Many residents wanted to give kudos to the police for helping evacuate everyone so quickly. Fire had to rescue at least one person from an upper level balcony. I know from my own fire how important it is for fire and police to arrive quickly to help with evacuation. In an emergency people naturally panic and aren't sure how to best evacuate safely. Sometimes we think our possessions are worth the time to gather before evacuating. Unfortunately time is of the essence to evacuate safely.
In total, 30 units were affected. 10 were destroyed or severely damaged from the fire and the other 20 had some smoke damage. Electricity had to be turned off to the 2 adjacent buildings so residents were allowed to go in with a fire fighter to gather some things but would need a place to stay for the night. The Red Cross assisted all residents affected with food, clothing and lodging. All residents were accounted for (some were at work at the time of the fire) and almost all pets. Unfortunately one resident was unable to find her cat. Thankfully she lives in one of the buildings that had smoke damage only so hopefully the cat is just hiding and is safe. When a pet is missing that is always hard for me to hear. I will always think of my kitty Cosmo (who I lost in my fire last year) whenever I respond to an apartment fire. Pets are family too! I hope the resident finds her kitty soon!
I have said before, I am blessed to be able to volunteer and appreciate working with such a great group of people that make up the Greater Kansas City Red Cross Chapter!
Here are some pics of our wonderful Red Cross volunteers in action:
This was a pretty big fire. One building was burning which put the adjacent buildings at risk. In all, 3 buildings were affected. Unfortunately one resident was taken to the hospital with serious burns. Several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries including smoke inhalation. One OP Police Officer was also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and was released later in the evening. Residents were very appreciative of the quick response from police to the scene. Many residents wanted to give kudos to the police for helping evacuate everyone so quickly. Fire had to rescue at least one person from an upper level balcony. I know from my own fire how important it is for fire and police to arrive quickly to help with evacuation. In an emergency people naturally panic and aren't sure how to best evacuate safely. Sometimes we think our possessions are worth the time to gather before evacuating. Unfortunately time is of the essence to evacuate safely.
In total, 30 units were affected. 10 were destroyed or severely damaged from the fire and the other 20 had some smoke damage. Electricity had to be turned off to the 2 adjacent buildings so residents were allowed to go in with a fire fighter to gather some things but would need a place to stay for the night. The Red Cross assisted all residents affected with food, clothing and lodging. All residents were accounted for (some were at work at the time of the fire) and almost all pets. Unfortunately one resident was unable to find her cat. Thankfully she lives in one of the buildings that had smoke damage only so hopefully the cat is just hiding and is safe. When a pet is missing that is always hard for me to hear. I will always think of my kitty Cosmo (who I lost in my fire last year) whenever I respond to an apartment fire. Pets are family too! I hope the resident finds her kitty soon!
I have said before, I am blessed to be able to volunteer and appreciate working with such a great group of people that make up the Greater Kansas City Red Cross Chapter!
Here are some pics of our wonderful Red Cross volunteers in action:
