Update on 1401 College Ave. Structure Fire – Loss in Excess of $3.5 Million

Fire crews on the scene of Monday's fire in Manhattan-photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department — Fire crews on the scene of Monday’s fire in Manhattan-photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department

MANHATTAN, Kansas, October 18. 2016 – On Tuesday afternoon, fire investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Manhattan Fire Department, Fort Riley Department, and Junction City Fire Department, concluded the scene investigation of the Founders Hill Apartment fire located at 1401 College Avenue Building G. The building has been released to the property management company, First Management, Inc.

Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the second floor balcony in the southwest corner of the building. The fire quickly spread up the building, pushed by strong southerly winds, by means of the balconies above and had reached the attic area prior to the fire department arrival. Improperly disposed of smokingmaterials were found in the area of origin and could not be ruled out as the cause.

The loss to the building is now estimated as $3.5 million dollars with an additional $500,000 loss to the contents.

There are 41 residents that continue to be displaced by the fire.

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RILEY COUNTY – Investigators are still working to determine the cause of Monday’s Founder’s Hill apartment building fire in Manhattan.

Just after 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 1401 College Avenue Building G, for a report of a structure fire, according to a media release.

The fire was immediately upgraded to a third alarm, bringing neighboring fire departments for assistance.

The building is a total loss with an estimated value of $2 million to the structure. A total 91 residents were evacuated at the height of the fire, with 45 remaining displaced indefinitely.

Six pets were rescued from the fire, with two pets still unaccounted for at this time.

The fire was considered under control in just less than three hours.

Residents watch Monday apartment building fire in Manhattan

There were no injuries.

The property management company is First Management, Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas, and the owner is listed as Manwest LLC, also of Lawrence. First Management Inc. has provided motel rooms for the affected residents. The American Red Cross is also on scene and is offering assistance to residents. Kansas State University students affected can receive assistance by calling the Kansas State University Office of Student Life at (785) 532-6432.