A three-alarm fire was reported at the Founders Hill apartment complex Monday afternoon near the intersection of College Avenue and Claflin Road.
Emergency crews are still working the scene. Residents have been evacuated and no injuries have been reported.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: 5:20
According to Riley County Police the fire began at 1401 College Building G with first responders arriving at 3:31.
Four pets were rescued as buildings were evacuated. No injuries were reported.
As of 4:30 the fire was considered a third alarm and still not under control.
Claflin Road is closed at College Avenue to Hilton Heights as the Manhattan Fire Department, Riley County EMS, RCPD and K-State Police continue to work the scene. Officials are asking that people stay out of the area.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is being investigated as a precaution. Those with video or pictures of the fire are being asked to send any information to the RCPD by emailing
contact_rcpd@rileycountypolice.org — please include personal contact information.
UPDATE: from Manhattan Fire Department
At 3:31 p.m. on Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 1401 College Avenue Building G, for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a four story apartment building with heavy smoke and fire showing from the structure. The fire was immediately upgraded to a third alarm, bringing neighboring fire departments for assistance. Six pets were rescued from the fire, with two pets still unaccounted for at this time. The fire was considered under control in just under three hours. Seven fire apparatus from Manhattan responded, with assistance being provided by Riley County Fire Department, Blue Township Fire Department, and Fort Riley Fire Department. Claflin Avenue and College Avenue were both closed for approximately three hours.
The building was a four story 28 unit apartment building, with 27 of the units currently being occupied. The building is a total loss with an estimated value of $2 million to the structure. A total 91 residents were evacuated at the height of the fire, with 45 remaining displaced indefinitely. The property management company is First Management, Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas, and the owner is listed as Manwest LLC, also of Lawrence. First Management Inc. has provided motel rooms for the affected residents. The American Red Cross is also on scene and is offering assistance to residents. Kansas State University students affected can receive assistance by calling the Kansas State University Office of Student Life at (785) 532-6432.
Firefighters remained on scene overnight extinguishing hot spots. The Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal, along with investigators from Manhattan Fire Department and Riley County Police Department, will begin the fire investigation in the morning. The fire cause is under investigation at this time. Anyone who has pictures or video of the fire is asked to email them along with their contact information to RCPD@rileycountypolice.org in the event this becomes a criminal investigation.
“A special thank you to the Riley County Police Department, Riley County Emergency Medical Services, Riley County Emergency Management, Kansas State University Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, City of Manhattan, American Red Cross, as well as our mutual aid fire departments, for their support of our Department and the citizens affected” said Fire Chief Scott French, “the teamwork and cooperation displayed by our emergency services partners is unmatched and we are truly grateful for their help.”