Balletine and 99th Street Fire

Just before 7:00 this evening, crews from Overland Park Fire responded to a house fire in the area of 99th and Ballentine. Crews found a fire on the back of the house that had extended inside the house and into the attic. The fire was extinguished within 45 minutes with assistance from Lenexa Fire Department.

No injuries are reported. The homeowners were not home at the time of the fire. Three cats were safely removed from the house. Damage is estimated at $75,000-100,000.

The house suffered significant fire damage to the ceiling and roof areas as well as moderate smoke damage throughout the house. Investigation revealed that fireplace embers removed yesterday from the house were placed on the back deck and smoldered until the fire broke out.

The Overland Park Fire Department would like to remind all to safely dispose of fireplace and grilling ashes. Allow them to cool before disposing of them and place them in a tightly covered metal container at least 10 feet from your home and any other buildings. Never empty the ash directly into a trash can. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.