KANSAS CITY – Four residents died and two firefighter were hurt in an early morning apartment building fire in Independence, according to IFD Fire Chief Jimmy Walker.
The fire was reported just after 6:00am at the Independence Ridge Apartments on East 37th Terrace Court. Chief Walker said the fire began in a kitchen, cooking left unattended, and quickly spread to the entire building.
Walker said the four who died were from the same family, but that the fire did not originate in their apartment.
The entire apartment building was engulfed, and strong winds, gusting as high as 30 miles per hour, added to the challenge as firefighters work to douse the blaze.
The two Independence firefighters who were injured, suffered burns to their hands, necks and ears. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter to house those displaced by the fire, estimating some 30 residents lost their homes.
KMBC 9 News had live coverage via chopper of the blaze this morning.