A structure fire is reported at the Garden Walk Apartments in Independence.
The Independence Fire Department was initially dispatched to the apartment complex just north of Independence High School this afternoon just before 1 p.m.
An eyewitness tells KGGF News as of 1:20, smoke could be seen from an upper floor of one of the units on the north side of the complex. A second alarm was called and mutual aid requested. According to Independence Fire-EMS, a third alarm was eventually needed, with a total of 25 firefighters working the scene, which included off-duty Independence Fire-EMS personnel, Independence Rural Fire Department, Dearing Fire Department, Cherryvale Fire Department, and Coffeyville Fire Department.
As a result of the fire, one apartment sustained total loss, while an additional eight apartments sustained varying degrees of moderate smoke damage.
All residents were safely evacuated. Displaced residents are being temporarily relocated to other available apartments, with additional assistance being coordinated through the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Independence Police Department.
Photo: Don Moore
