Topeka 2-year-old recovering from house fire injuries

A fire on SW Polk trapped a child on the second floor.
A fire on SW Polk trapped a child on the second floor.(WIBW)
Published: Aug. 4, 2020 at 5:06 PM CDT
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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The Topeka Fire Department is trying to determine the cause of a fire that trapped a 2-year-old on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The Topeka Fire Department says after responding to a fire at 710 SW Polk St. and finding a 2-year-old trapped on the second floor, it is working to determine the cause of the fire.

TFD says the preliminary investigation indicated the cause of the fire to be most likely associated with a minor playing with a lighter. It says the fire was located in the northwest corner of the house on the second floor and the estimated loss is around $30,000, of which $20,000 is associated with structural loss and $10,000 is associated with content loss.

According to TFD, six people were displaced as a result of the fire and working smoke detectors were not located within the residence.

As of Aug. 7, 2020, TFD says the 2-year-old is in non-critical condition and is stable.

Topeka house fire traps infant

Aug. 4 9 p.m.: The Topeka Fire Department says a fire on SW Polk trapped an infant on the second floor of a house turned into an apartment building.

Topeka Fire Crews say upon arrival neighbors were trying to access the second floor of the building claiming a child was trapped. They say they had to use a ladder to access the second floor and rescue the child.

One neighbor says she lost her dog to the fire.

TFD says the child was given CPR by AMR and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. They say she remains in intensive care, but was showing positive signs.

Crews say the second floor of the residence has extensive fire damage. The total damage to the home was estimated around $30,000.

Fire officials say the fire was most likely caused by a child playing with a lighter.

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