An unidentified man died in a double house fire near Murdock and Market over the weekend. According to the Wichita Fire Department, homeless people were likely inside the structures during the Saturday night fire.
Battalion Chief Lane Pearman says the homes were boarded up, which made it more difficult for crews to battle the blaze.
After combing through the damaged homes on Monday, investigators determined there were no other fatalities from the fires.
With temperatures turning colder, more homeless people are likely to make themselves at home in abandoned structures throughout the city. "Even with the homes, properly boarded up, properly secured, it's not a guarantee," Pearman said. "And often times, within a week or two, people will find their way back in," he added.
Residents are asked to call 911 if you see someone living in a boarded up or abandoned structure. The Wichita Homeless Outreach Team can then work to get those people the resources they need.
