Photos courtesy of Lee’s Summit Fire Department

Aug. 24, 2019 Updated 11:10 a.m.

DanManley  | Interim Fire Chief
Lee’s Summit Fire Department

The Lee’s Summit Fire Department received phone notification of an automatic fire alarm located at 905 SE Douglas, International Children’s Academy, at 12:02 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2019 .  

The pumper crew assigned to investigate alarm arrived at 12:09, reported smoke showing and upgraded the incident to a first alarm or working fire.  As crews entered the structure, fire was identified between ceiling and roof.  Interior conditions rapidly progressed to the point that crews had no visibility and increased intensity of heat. 

The Incident Commander withdrew crews from structure due to building size, construction type, and location of fire with impingement on structural elements of roof with risk of potential roof collapse.

Soon after crews exited the fire had burned through the roof.  Firefighters brought fire under control at 3:03 a.m. and then extinguished.  The structure and contents sustained significant damage. 

The Lee’s Summit Fire Department operations were supported by the Lee’s Summit Police Department who secured perimeter while fire crews we working the control the fire.  KCP&L terminated electrical service to the structure. Water Utilities terminated domestic water to the structure.  Building Inspectors from Development Services evaluated condition and stability of structure.  Taking it to the Street’s Scott Lamaster arrived on scene to provide rehab and support for personnel during the incident.

An investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire is currently being conducted by Missouri Division of Fire Safety Fire Investigators.  Crews departed the scene at 5:28 a.m.  No injuries occurred as a result of the incident.