Fire pit suspected cause of Overland Park duplex fire; Mission to host Harvesters mobile food pantry Saturday at SM North

Fire pit suspected cause of Overland Park duplex fire

A fire pit was the likely cause of a duplex fire Saturday afternoon in Overland Park that resulted in no human injuries but one pet death.

Just before 3 p.m., firefighting crews from Overland Park and Lenexa responded to reports of a fire in the 9100 block of West 83rd Street, according to a news release Saturday. The first units on scene reported significant fire showing from a single-story duplex with everyone reportedly out safe.

It took crews about 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. The fire caused significant damage to the duplex.

No injuries were reported, but one cat died in the fire. The Red Cross assisted the occupants with lodging, while the occupant on the other side of the duplex will stay with friends.

Neighbors told fire investigators that the occupants had a recreational fire pit burning on a wooden deck at the duplex, and they noticed soon after that the deck was on fire. Investigators believe the fire pit probably caused the fire, but the incident is still under investigation.

Overland Park Fire reminded residents to refrain from using fire pits and charcoal grills on wooden deck, and keep these at least 10 feet away from combustible materials.

Attached is a video release from this afternoon’s duplex fire. pic.twitter.com/HDzx4Dts6V

— Overland Park Fire (@OPFDMedia) May 2, 2020

Mission to host Harvesters mobile food pantry Saturday at SM North

The city of Mission will host a Harvesters mobile food pantry on Saturday, May 9, at Shawnee Mission North, 7401 Johnson Drive.

The mobile food pantry will take place in the east lot, and will distribute primarily fresh produce on a first come, first serve basis. No identification is required to receive food from the mobile food pantry, but will need to tell volunteers the number of people in their household. Volunteers will be provided with masks and will load cars with the food while also directing traffic.