Mill Valley High School fire ruled accidental

Posted: June 7, 2019 - 1:24 a.m.
Updated: June 7, 2019 - 12:01 p.m.

Shawnee Fire Investigators say the fire at Mill Valley High School, 5900 Monticello Road, late Thursday evening was accidental.

Shawnee firefighters work on the roof of the school to keep the fire
from extending into the building.
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Fire Marshal Corey Sands says firefighters were alerted of the fire by calls to 911 about 9:30 p.m. Those calls were followed closely by a call from an alarm company reporting the building’s fire alarm had activated.

“Our crews arrived to find fire on the outside of the building, where the construction is occurring at the high school,” Sands said. “They got it taken care of pretty quick.”

Sands said the fire had extended to the roofline of the building, which firefighters also caught and extinguished quickly.

Firefighters retrieve equipment off of one apparatus.
Additional photos below report.

Unified School District 232 sent an email to families in the district informing them of the fire. The message says that the fire occurred on the outside of the building in an area where demolition work is underway for the addition of a competitive gymnasium.

“We are grateful that our emergency systems worked as planned, which is why the fire department arrived so quickly,’ the statement said. “There were no school activities taking place at the time of the fire and no fire damage to the interior.”

After hearing that several neighbors were talking about how they could smell smoke earlier in the evening, Fire Marshal Sands said, “we would encourage people if you do smell smoke, call 911.”

Sands said if the smell of smoke had been reported sooner, firefighters would have responded to investigate and worked to locate the source.

Fire investigators say the fire was caused by demolition crews using torches and saws to remove metal structural components.

"The metal and roofing material that was demolished was then placed in a pile up against the exterior wall of the high school," Fire Marshal Sands said. "The roofing material and foam roofing pieces used to insulate the roof actually insulated the fire for several hours when it was placed in a pile after the demolition."

Damage to the building is estimated at $2,500

Shawnee firefighters were assisted on the call by the Lenexa Fire Department and Overland Park Fire Department. Johnson County Med-Act was on scene with two ambulances and their firefighter rehabilitation unit due to the heat and humidity.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters on scene awaiting their next assignment

 

The fire and large response from firefighters attracted a large crowd.

Firefighters work on the roof of the building.

The Lenexa Fire Department's mobile ventilation unit of 'Vent 94' was
brought in to help remove smoke from the building.

Johnson County Med-Act Paramedics established a firefighter rehabilitation area.
All firefighters cycle through this area between rotations. This allows them to hydrate
and have their vitals monitored

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VIDEO: Two men injured in basement flash fire

Posted: January 18, 2019 - 3:15 p.m.

Johnson County Med-Act transported two men to an area burn center after they were injured in a flash fire on Friday afternoon.

The Overland Park Fire Department says the fire at 8421 Kessler Street was reported shortly before 1 p.m. Firefighters from the Lenexa Fire Department also responded to assist.

Jason Rhodes, Media Manager of the Overland Park Fire Department, says arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the duplex two men with burn injuries in front of the building.

"Medical crews went to work on the patients, while fire crews attacked a fire in the basement on the north duplex," Rhodes said. "Both patients were quickly transported and the fire was knocked down in a matter of minutes."

Rhodes says both men were transported by ambulance to the University of Kansas Medical Center Burn Unit. One man is in critical condition, the other is in stable condition.

"Investigators believe the two were working with a paint sprayer in the basement utility area and that the fumes from the sprayer made contact with an open flame from the furnace, causing a flash fire," Rhodes said.

Fire damage was largely contained to the basement area with minor extension to the living area.

"The fire unit is uninhabitable, but residents of the south duplex unit will be able to reoccupy," Rhodes said. "An adult female and two children also reside in the damaged unit, but were not home at the time of the fire."

Firefighters want to remind everyone to keep flammable substances away from open flames, always follow precautions on product labels, and to use these products in well-ventilated areas.

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One seriously injured after vehicle smashes into 'The JO' commuter bus

Posted: January 16, 2013 - 6:15am
Updated: January 16, 2013 - 6:43am

Shawnee Police are investigating after a car crashed into the side of a commuter bus on Quivira Road.

The accident was reported just after 5:45 Wednesday morning near the intersection of 76th Street and Quivira Road.

Police reported the car involved had sustained heavy damage and the driver was "in and out of consciousness."

Johnson County Med-Act reported the female driver to be seriously injured. No one on 'The JO' bus was injured.

A county inspector is said to be responding to see if the bus remains "drive-able" or if it will need to be towed from the scene. Police are directing traffic near the crash scene.

The Lenexa Fire Department also assisted with the incident.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first, Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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2 Seriously injured in Interstate 35 collision

Posted: January 27, 2012 - 2:26am

Updated: January 27, 2012 - 6:42am

Photo of the scene at 2:23 a.m.
Photo provided by Kansas City Scout

Just before 2:15 a.m. Lenexa Police along with Olathe Police and Fire were called to the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 between College Boulevard (111th Street) and Interstate 435.

Lenexa Police arrived on scene and reported that there were two cars and a tractor trailer involved in the accident. 

Olathe Fire arrived on scene reporting two vehicles were involved with heavy damage. Crews initially reported two people injured, one critically and another seriously. A short time later, after further assessment, both of the injured were said to have serious injuries. Dispatchers also confirmed that two people were seriously injured.

One Rescue apparatus, from the Olathe Fire Department, was requested to respond to the scene to assist with extrication. Johnson County Med-Act also sent two ambulances and a Battalion Chief to the scene.

Photo of the scene at 3:05 a.m.
Photo provided by Kansas City Scout

A 30-year-old male is said to have been the driver of a pickup truck which was facing the wrong way on the Interstate when units arrived on the scene. That driver is not believed to have been wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The second injured driver is said to be a 31-year-old male who was wearing a seat belt.

Both men are said to have serious but, non-life threatening injuries. Unconfirmed reports indicate that one of the drivers may have been intoxicated. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Photo of the scene at 6:00 a.m.
Photo provided by Kansas City Scout

As of 6:00 a.m., two inside (left) lanes remain closed as Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. The right lane remains open to northbound traffic.

Lenexa Police say that all lanes are open to traffic as of 6:40 a.m..

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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4 Shawnee homes damaged by fire this morning

Posted: January 22, 2012 - 5:25am

Updated: January 23, 2021 - 2:15am

Click photo to view larger
Additional photos below

Firefighters from Shawnee, Lenexa and Olathe battled fires at four homes this morning in the Red Oak Hills neighborhood in Shawnee. The first fire was reported at 17317 W 70th Street at 5:02 a.m.. This address is located just west of Interstate 435, between Midland Drive and Shawnee Mission Parkway.

A Fire Department official says that for the three homes, damage estimate is $450,000. Shawnee Fire Department Investigator Corey Sands says the two residents awoke to the sound of their home's windows cracking due to the heat of the fire. The home had a wood burning stove in the basement. What the homeowner believed to be cooled embers, were transferred from a metal can to a plastic bag and then into a garbage can behind the home. Those embers ignited up the rear of the home, fueled by the gusty winds.

The call was dispatched at 5:02 a.m. with the residents of the home calling 911 from a neighbors home. Initial reports from the resident were that the home was evacuated and had become heavily involved with fire. The two residents safely escaped from the home.

Shawnee Police arrived at 5:05 a.m. and confirmed that the house was fully involved with fire. Officers also reported that embers from the fire were blowing in the wind onto neighboring homes.

The first fire apparatus arrived on scene at 5:08 a.m. and immediately went into defensive operations. Aerial apparatus were setup to put water on the fire from above and help in containing the flying embers.

Police evacuated at least three neighboring homes, one of which the resident reported their windows were "beginning to crack".

One home, directly across the street at 17316 W 70th Street, sustained some minor fire damage to a front porch and a few bushes. That fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters. Damage to this home is said to be under $500.

At 5:20 a.m. a third home, at 6805 Mill Creek Road, sustained damage to it's roof after flying embers caught it's wood shake shingles on fire. Lenexa firefighters extinguished the roof fire. Damage to this home was estimated at nearly $7,000.

At 6:17 a.m., fire crews spotted a fourth home, at 6907 Mill Creek Road, with flames visible from a wooden rear deck. Fire crews quickly ordered additional units to respond to the area and assist . Damage to this home was also estimated at nearly $7,000.

Both fires on Mill Creek Road were reported to be extinguished at 6:56 a.m..

No injuries were reported on any of the fire scenes. Johnson County Med-Act was standing by at the scene.

As always, remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks. It was reported on Twitter as soon as it was dispatched at 5:03 a.m., followed by constant updates. Nothing from any other news media until after 6:30 a.m..

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Home as of October 23, 2009
Photo provided by Johnson County Appraiser's Office
Click photo to view larger

View from the rear of the home where
the fire is reported to have began
Click photo to view larger

Two vehicles, a Lexus passenger car and a Chevrolet truck
both remain in the heavily damaged home's garage.
Click photo to view larger

Firefighters from the Shawnee Fire Department's
Quint 72 & Brush 72 extinguish hot spots Sunday afternoon.
Click photo to view larger

Firefighters from the Shawnee Fire Department's Quint 72 & Brush 72
roll up hose line after extinguishing hot spots on Sunday afternoon.
Click photo to view larger

Two alarm Olathe house fire

Posted: December 31, 2011 - 3:42pm
Updated: December 31, 2011 - 8:27pm

Around 3:00 p.m., Saturday, the Olathe Fire Department was called to a house in the 1400 block of E Cambridge Street after the resident reported flames from the furnace vent on the first floor.

Fire crews arrived on scene about two minutes after being dispatched. First arriving crews reported smoke showing from the eaves of the house. A short time later, crews reported a fire in the basement.

A second alarm assignment was dispatched at 3:15 p.m., by request of the Battalion Chief on the scene. Interior crews reported a "weak floor" in the rear of the structure. Incident Command was able to report the fire as under control about 25 minutes after the first crews arrived. The Lenexa Fire Department also assisted in battling the blaze.

The house was evacuated when the Fire Department arrived and no injuries were reported. An official cause of the fire remains under investigation. An Olathe Fire spokesperson estimates damage at approximately $50,000. Investigators also say that the two residents of the home were first alerted to the fire by working smoke detectors in the house.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Carbon Monoxide sickens 3 in Lenexa

Posted: December 28, 2011 - 5:41am
Updated: December 28, 2011 - 6:12am

Just after 5:20 a.m., Tuesday, Lenexa Fire and Johnson County Med-Act were called to a home in the 8100 block of Woodstone Street. Three people were reported to be showing symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning after a natural gas leak in the house.

The Lenexa Fire Department reported dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide. Those levels are said to have been nearly 500 parts per million. Kansas Gas was also on the scene when the fire department arrived.

Johnson County Med-Act treated three people to an area hospital. Two were said to be "40-years-old" and the other is a "12-year-old." All three were said to be stable, complaining of headaches and nausea. Their exposure was said to be "moderate."

Lenexa Fire remained on the scene to ventilate the house and locate the source of the Carbon Monoxide.

No further information was immediately available.

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Fatality Accident in Shawnee

Posted: December 17, 2011 - 2:29pm
Updated: December 19, 2011 - 3:43am

The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating an accident on Interstate 435 at Johnson Drive in Shawnee that occurred just before 2:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Troopers say, 20-year-old, Niquetta Wilson of Kansas City, Kansas, was killed in the accident. Wilson was driving, a 1997 Ford Taurus, southbound on I-435, in the left (inside) lane when "for unknown reason, vehicle drifted" off of the road into the grassy median, struck a large bump and became airborne. The vehicle then struck a center median bridge pillar. Niquetta Wilson was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Investigators say Niquetta Wilson was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident.

The Shawnee Fire Department was assisted by the Lenexa Fire Department. Edwardsville Fire was also dispatched to the scene but was canceled when the location of the accident was confirmed to be inside Shawnee city limits.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Fight at Lenexa Pub leaves one injured

Posted: November 17, 2011 - 2:15am
Updated: November 17, 2011 - 4:17am


Lenexa Police are investigating after a fight broke out around 2 a.m. in the parking lot of Saint Pub and Patio at 9720 Quivira Road.


Police say that several subjects were involved in the disturbance, one man was seriously injured. The victim is reported to be a male in his late 20's. He was transported by Johnson County Med-Act to an area hospital with head injuries.


No one is currently in custody and Police continue to investigate


Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Lenexa Police at (913) 477-7301 or the Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS (8477).


Related Stories:
Man shot outside Lenexa Pub - September 2011



Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Lenexa Burn Ban suspended

Posted: November 10, 2011 - 6:00pm
Updated: November 11, 2011 - 2:25am

The Lenexa Fire Department says the temporary burn ban has been suspended, effective November 11th. The recent rains have provided sufficient moisture to decrease the hazards of fire to the dry grasses and vegetation across the county. Open burning will be permitted within the stipulations of city fire codes and with an approved open burning permit issued by the Lenexa Fire Department.

The burn ban was issued in mid-October. The original story can be found here.

Fire officials also remind the public to always properly dispose of cigarettes, using approved fire-safe containers and never discard cigarettes in areas of grass, mulch, brush, leaves or from vehicles.

Anyone with questions concerning open burning or how to obtain an open burning permit, contact the Lenexa Fire Department at 913-888-6380.

Serious early morning accident closes I-35

Posted: November 2, 2011 - 12:24am
Updated: November 2, 2011 - 4:22am

Southbound I-35 south of 95th Street, Lenexa, KS. 12:30am
Photo of the scene from Kansas City Scout

The Kansas Highway Patrol and Lenexa Police Department investigated a two vehicle injury accident that forced the closure of Interstate 35 at 95th Street in Lenexa for about two hours. The accident is reported to have occurred at 12:17 a.m. near highway mile marker 223.6 southbound

The Kansas Highway Patrol's preliminary accident report states that both vehicles were southbound on Interstate 35 near 95th Street. One of the vehicles was traveling at a "high rate of speed" when it rear ended a second car. The striking vehicle sustained "heavy damage" while the other sustained "moderate damage."

Three people were involved in the accident. The driver of the striking vehicle was the only occupant of that vehicle and was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. That person has been identified as a 33-year-old, Olathe woman. Reports indicate that this woman was intoxicated and was wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate her level of intoxication and says that charges are possible.

The two female occupants of the second vehicle were an 18-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger. Both sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the accident scene.

While investigating this accident, Lenexa Police say they were blocking traffic from entering southbound Interstate 35 from 95th Street, when a vehicle swerved around the parked Police vehicle and entered the accident scene. That vehicle was stopped by the Highway Patrol and the driver, a 24-year-old female from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. She was booked into the Johnson County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

The Highway Patrol reopened southbound lanes of I-35 at 2:20 a.m.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Serious accident leaves one critically injured

Posted: November 1, 2011 - 1:45am
Updated: November 1, 2011 - 5:31am

The Overland Park Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating a one vehicle accident that has left one person critically injured. The accident occurred just before 1:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Interstate 435 just west of Pflumm Road. As a  result of the accident, both of the ramps to Interstate 35 were closed for about four hours. The ramps reopened just before 5:30 a.m..

Law Enforcement from Lenexa, Overland Park and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene after receiving "numerous 911 calls" a dispatcher tells me. Fire Department units from Overland Park and Lenexa responded with Johnson County Med-Act to the scene.

A dispatcher tells me that the ramps from Interstate 435 to Interstate 35 will be "closed indefinitely" as the accident is investigated and cleared. An adult male, reportedly in his mid 20's, was the only occupant of the vehicle and he was ejected when the vehicle, a 2001 Ford Expedition, rolled over.

An unidentified caller to Operation 100 News tells me that he could, "smell a strong odor of alcohol in the crashed car." Overland Park Police also confirm that alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the accident.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Olathe House Fire, October 29, 2011

Posted: October 29, 2011 - 3:24am

Updated: October 29, 2011 - 3:17pm

Update:
Investigators say the residents used a chiminea fire pit on their deck last night. The ashes from the fire pit were discarded near the house. An occupant awoke to find a fire on the side of the house which was spreading to the roof and attic. All occupants of the house were able to safely evacuate. Damage is estimated at $25,000.

Even with Olathe under a burn ban, the use of fire pits is not included in the ban. More information about Olathe's Burn Ban can be found here.

Original Post:
The Olathe Fire Department was called to a house in the 1300 block of N. Anne Shirley Drive in Olathe. The call was dispatched at 3:14 a.m. with Olathe Police arriving at 3:17 and the Fire Department at 3:19 a.m.. Fire was reported to be visible from the roof of the two story residence upon arrival.

Olathe Police were able to quickly confirm that all of the occupants, of the house, were evacuated.

Firefighters were able to knock down the fire quickly and reported the incident to be under control at 3:30 a.m.

One apparatus from the Lenexa Fire Department was also dispatched to the scene to assist.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.


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K-10 rollover accident in JoCo

Posted: October 24, 2011 - 10:05am
Updated: October 25, 2011 - 1:39am

Emergency crews from Lenexa and Olathe were called to respond on a reported rollover injury accident on westbound Kansas Highway 10 just to the east of Cedar Creek Parkway, minutes after 10 a.m. Monday morning. Lenexa Police arrived on the scene and confirmed there is one vehicle with extensive damage in the center median. Police say the accident involved a car and a semi truck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says, 27-year-old, Richard Treas III, of Clearview City, Kansas was driving eastbound on K-10. He was driving a 1990 Ford Escort, in the right lane, when he was overtaken (passed) by a semi truck pulling a trailer, traveling in the left lane. That truck was driven by 42-year-old, Katherine Reeder of Drexel, Missouri. Reeder attempted to change lanes from the left lane to the right lane, when her semi truck struck Treas'. Treas' vehicle began a counter-clockwise rotation, entered the grassy median and overturned, with the vehicle coming to rest on its wheels, according to the accident report.

Injuries sustained by Richard Treas III were said to be serious but, non life threatening. He was transported to an area hospital for further treatment. Katherine Reeder was not injured. Both drivers were the only occupants of their vehicles and were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident.

Lenexa Police also received a report of a dog running in the center median of K-10. It is not known if that dog was involved in the accident.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.


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One critically injured after rollover accident in Lenexa

Posted: October 24, 2011 - 3:02am

Lenexa Police are investigating a single vehicle rollover injury accident this morning in the 8600 block of Lenexa Drive.

The accident is said to have occurred around 2:45 a.m. Monday morning. A man, described as being in his "mid to late 20's", was the only occupant of the vehicle and was ejected onto the roadway. He was transported to a local trauma center and said to be in critical condition.

No other information was immediately available from Police.


Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Overland Park issues burn ban

Posted: October 20, 2011 - 3:30pm

Updated: October 29, 2011 - 5:55am

The Overland Park Fire Department announced today that the city is now under a burn ban until further notice. City officials cite continued extreme dry conditions and low humidity for the ban.

All open and recreational burning is banned. Previously issued burn permits are also currently suspended. Anyone found to be in violation of this burn ban can be fined $500.

Residents with any questions regarding the burn ban can contact the Overland Park Fire Department at 913-438-4888.

Related Story:
Johnson County Burn Bans

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Lenexa Burn Ban updated

Posted: October 19, 2011 - 1:56pm
Updated: November 11, 2011 - 2:30am

UPDATE: November 11, 2011 this burn ban has been suspended. More information.

The City of Lenexa has updated their already in effect burn ban to allow the usage of BBQ grills.

In a news release provided Wednesday afternoon, the Lenexa Fire Department states;

"Due to continued low humidity and dry conditions, the temporary ban on open burning will remain in effect until further notice. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning except outdoor cooking grills. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, bonfires and yard chimineas are NOT allowed during the ban."

Open-burning permits will be issued until the environmental conditions improve and the threat of fires has decreased.

The Fire Department also offers the following outdoor fire safety tips:

• Always dispose cigarettes in approved fire-safe containers. Do not discard cigarettes in areas of grass, mulch, brush, leaves or from vehicles.
• Charcoal grills and other open-flame cooking devices should not be operated within 10 feet of combustible construction or materials.
• All grills and open flame devices should be attended at all times when in use.
• Ensure all open flames, charcoal, and hot embers are fully extinguished and cooled when cooking is completed.

Related Story:
Johnson County Burn Bans

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