UPDATE JULY 7, 2020 7:35 p.m.

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO— On Tuesday, July 07, 2020 at 1:13 p.m., the Lee’s Summit Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 500 Block of NE Newport Drive. A neighbor reported smoke and fire coming from the townhome. 

When the fire department arrived, smoke and fire was coming from the back of the two-story, four-unit townhome. All occupants were out of the building.

Fire crews made their initial attack on the fire from inside the building. The fire had spread quickly into the attic and an adjacent unit. Due to structural instability and partial collapse of the roof, crews pulled out and went to a defensive operation, applying water from the outside until the fire was under control. Crews then went back inside to extinguish any hotspots and fire in concealed spaces. The fire was under control at 2:00 pm.

Two of the four units sustained heavy fire damage. The remaining units received significant smoke and water damage.

The fire originated on the patio behind one of the units and spread upward into the building. The investigation is continuing; discarded ash from a smoker cannot be ruled out as a possible cause.

There were no reported injuries.

The Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced residents. Taking it to the Streets provided assistance to crews working at the scene.

Several area fire departments provided mutual aid assistance at the fire, and response coverage in Lee’s Summit during the incident.                                                       

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Assistant Chief Jim Eden, LSFD

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO— On Tuesday, July 07, 2020 at 1:13 p.m., the Lee’s Summit Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 500 Block of NE Newport Drive. A neighbor reported smoke and fire coming from a unit of the four-unit townhome. 

When the fire department arrived, smoke and fire was coming from the back of the two-story, four-unit townhome. All occupants were reported to be out of the building.

The fire had spread to the attic and neighboring units. Crews initially attacked the fire from the interior, due to structural instability crews changed to a defensive attack from the outside.

Fire department operations are ongoing. Mutual aid assistance is being provided by Central Jackson County Fire Protection District.

There have been no reported injuries at this time.