CITY OF LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE DOUGLAS COUNTY FIRE MEDICAL

CONTACT: Rich Barr, Fire Marshal

or Lisa Patterson, communications manager (785) 764-2892

Update on activities at 1205 New Jersey

(Lawrence, Ks) – Fire Marshal Rich Barr opened this afternoon’s media briefing with this statement, “This morning a family experienced a tragic loss. Our sympathy goes to that family and all of their loved ones and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”

The fire at 1205 New Jersey has resulted in two fatalities. Fire Medical continues to collect information at this time and there are three individuals unaccounted for. There is one survivor who is conscious and hospitalized.

Operational Response

Fire Medical was dispatched at 12:43 this morning

Police were on the scene at 12:45 a.m.

A second alarm was called at 12:47 a.m.

Fire Medical was on the scene at 12:48 a.m.

Third alarm was called at 1:23 a.m.

Fire under control at 2:31 a.m.

Fire Medical’s response this morning included calling in an additional ladder, two medic units, engine and calling back off duty personnel.

The priority is to get inside the house and recover the individuals believed to be inside. At this time work is underway to stabilize the structure. It is an unsafe situation for Fire Medical personnel to enter the house. The house was significantly involved.

Investigation of the fire continues. Because of the number of potential fatalities, a multi-agency team is being assembled. The loss of lives at the fire is being investigated and there is no evidence at this time of the fire cause. A thorough investigation is being conducted.

The process for the Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical Department to release the names of fire fatalities requires a positive identification from the coroner’s office before releasing that information. The two confirmed victims have been transported to the coroner’s office.

In the response, two Lawrence Police officers, one Douglas County deputy sheriff and one firefighter treated for smoke inhalation. All have been treated and released.