Investigators believe arson played role in fire that damaged 3 Kansas City homes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Investigators believe arson played a role in an afternoon house fire that spread to two other homes as winds gusted across Kansas City.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department says that around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, emergency crews were called to the area of 16th Ter. and Oakley Ave. near Van Brunt Park, with reports of a house fire.

When first responders arrived, they said they found a house completely engulfed in flames. As a result of wind gusts in the area between 25 nd 45 mph, the fire spread to the homes on either side of the house. As of 3 p.m., the blaze was extinguished, however, bomb and arson investigators remained on the scene.

Crews indicated that no one was injured as a result and that neighbors were able to quickly evacuate as they rescued family dogs. The house where the fire originated had been vacant at the time of the blaze.

While neighbors are thankful everyone made it out safely, many are shaken by the possibility that the fire may have been set on purpose.

Brett Bauer, who lives next door to the home officials are calling a total loss, said he’s grateful to be alive.

“I was watching TV in the basement. My roommate that was home, Eric, came down, knocked on the door, and said, ‘Hey, you might wanna get out, the house is on fire,’” Bauer said.

Bauer threw on his flip-flops and ran outside to see his neighbor’s house fully engulfed in flames. Then, he went back inside to rescue his roommate’s dog, Luna.

“I was just praying that maybe some of our stuff could be saved, you know, hoping no one got hurt and everything. It was just really intense and really fast. It just happened so fast,” Bauer continued.

The Kansas City Police Department continues to work to determine if the fire was intentionally set.

“It’s kind of crazy to think that someone would do that and not realize what the outcome is on other people,” said neighbor James Holloway.

Holloway was not home at the time of the incident and is relieved his roommates were able to save his dog, although the fire claimed most of their personal belongings.

“She’s not a human, but she’s a companion and more important than anything in that house,” he said.

The fire damaged the roofs and attics of nearby homes, causing significant fire, smoke, and water damage. Several residents were forced to evacuate.

According to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, quick action by both firefighters and residents helped prevent injuries.

“A collaborative effort, both by the residents and the fire department, ensured we didn’t have any injuries today,” Hopkins said.

KCFD continues to investigate alongside the KD Bomb and Arson Squad to determine whether the fire was set intentionally

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