VIDEO: A central Topeka home was heavily damaged in a fire that broke out late Wednesday morning. The blaze was reported around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at a two-story residence at 1139 S.W. Garfield Ave. The front portion of the home was charred by the fire, as crews remained on the scene as of 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Mike Cowan, the son-in-law of the homeowner, told 13 NEWS that the fire started around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. Cowan said he came to check on his in-laws, who lived in the house for around 60 years, and saw smoke coming from the residence.
There were no immediate reports of serious injuries, though paramedics did evaluate Yvonne Bennett โ who lives at the home โ for some burns to her legs, according to 13 NEWS reporter Callie Holthaus, who was on the scene. Several firefighters also were assessed at the scene to ensure they werenโt experiencing any heat-related issues, officials said at the scene. The cause of the fire remained undetermined as of early Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
