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Overland Park Fire Department Investigators have completed their investigation into today’s grass/garage fire at 47th and Knox in Merriam. Investigators now believe today’s high winds blew a tree limb into an overhead power line causing it to arc and start the grass fire.
The fire, which witnesses say spread 50 yards in 4 minutes, claimed the life of a dog and burned a one story detached garage. KCP&L workers are on the scene repairing the damaged line and crews from Overland Park Fire are making sure all hot spots are completely extinguished.
Just After 12:30 p.m. crews from Overland Park Fire were called to a grass fire in the 4700 block of Knox Avenue. While in route, Merriam Police advised the fire had jumped the road and spread to a nearby detached garage. The call was upgraded to a house fire and additional units from Overland Park and Shawnee Fire were added to the call. First units on the scene reported smoke and fire from a single story, detached garage. All occupants were reported out safely.
Firefighters went to work on the garage fire, while other crews concentrated on surrounding grass fires. All fires were brought under control in about 20 minutes. No injuries are reported, however one dog was found deceased in the garage.
This fire is proof of how current conditions are conducive to rapid fire spread. As a reminder, Overland Park and Merriam are currently under a burn ban. All issued burn permits are presently suspended and no recreational fires are allowed. Overland Park Fire asks that if you smoke, please completely extinguish smoking materials in sand or water before discarding. Also, if you grill outdoors, please do not leave your grill unattended. Keep a means of fire suppression accessible and be sure to completely extinguish coals after cooking. For more information on fire safety, visit the fire page at www.opkansas.org.
