Eight displaced by Saturday afternoon duplex fire in Shawnee

Posted: August 22, 2020 - 11:00 p.m.

Eight people are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross after their duplex was heavily damaged by fire Saturday afternoon. At least three children were among the displaced.

Firefighters arrived to find the garage of the duplex heavily involved with fire.
Click images to view larger.
All photos ©Mike Frizzell - Operation 100 News

Firefighters from Shawnee, Overland Park, and Lenexa were dispatched to the fire at 11319 West 71st Terrace just before 2 p.m.

Arriving firefighters found heavy fire coming from the garage of the two-story building.

A Shawnee Firefighter extends the ladder towards the fire building.

Shawnee Fire Marshal Corey Sands says an unknown man alerted the residents in the western half of the duplex by pounding on the back of the house and breaking several windows. Sands says the broken window likely contributed to the rapid growth of the fire.

Firefighters worked for about 20 minutes to get the majority of the fire knocked down.

All residents and their pets escaped safely.

Johnson County Med-Act called in their firefighter rehabilitation unit due to the hot weather. No firefighters were injured.

As of Saturday evening, Fire Marshal Sands said investigators had concluded that the fire started in the garage on the west side of the building, but were still working to determine an exact cause.

A total of six fire rigs responded to the call.

Firefighters worked for about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Fire investigators say the fire started in the garage, but have not determined an exact cause.

The western half of the duplex lost its entire roof to the fire. The other half of the duplex
was also damaged by smoke, fire, and water.

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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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Shawnee Fire Department debuts new fire truck to public

Posted: November 26, 2018 - 6:00 a.m.
Updated: November 26, 2018 - 8:23 p.m.

A custom built 2018 Pierce Velocity recently ran its first calls as Engine 71 out of the John B. Glaser Fire Station.

After months of planning, designing and anticipation, the Shawnee Fire Department is debuting its newest addition to the fleet. The custom built 2018 Pierce Velocity ran its first calls as Engine 71 out of the John B. Glaser Fire Station this week.

The  John B. Glaser Fire Station, also known as Station 71, is one of the busiest fire stations in the state of Kansas and home to the second busiest Johnson County Med-Act ambulance in the county.

At the direction of Fire Chief John Mattox, the department’s apparatus committee designed the new engine to be the first to display an updated gray over red color scheme.

Shawnee Fire Marshal Corey Sands and Firefighter Duffy Muehlberger gave Operation 100 News a sneak peek of the new engine last week.

The Shawnee Fire Department's brand new 2018 Pierce Velocity is running its first calls as Engine 71 this week.

The color scheme is a subtle nod to the history of the Shawnee Fire Department, Sands said.

The burgundy of the new engine resembles the burgundy of the 1930 REO Speed Wagon.

From a small compartment behind the driver’s door for that firefighter to store their equipment to leather seats embroidered with the department’s logo,  the engine was built from the ground up with functionality and cleanliness in mind. The leather seats, which can easily be wiped down when dirty, are an example of another proactive step the department has taken to help firefighters keep their equipment and living quarters free of cancer-causing contaminants.

The new Engine 71 features full LED lighting for increased visibility.

The five-year-old fire engine that previously served as Engine 71 will be reassigned to Fire Station 74 where it will become Engine 74 when the new station opens in January.

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Shawnee Fire Department trains for mass casualty crash

Posted: October 29, 2018 - 9:35 p.m.

For three consecutive days last week, all 66 Shawnee Firefighters worked their way through a mock mass casualty crash. Each day the scenario involved a school bus, several vehicles, and volunteers playing the role of injured and hysterical people at the scene.

Shawnee firefighters peel back the roof of a vehicle to remove a dummy that was trapped in the simulated crash with a school bus.

Last Wednesday’s scenario involved 17 victims with varying levels of injury spread among three passenger vehicles and the school bus. 11 volunteers filled the school bus, which in the drill had been rear-ended in as part of a chain-reaction crash. One car was partially under the rear of the bus. A second car was on its roof and partly on top of the first car. A third car was rolled onto its side near the front of the bus and was blocking all access to the door of the bus.

Firefighters arrived on the scene of the simulation to find a school bus involved in a crash with three other vehicles and multiple victims trapped.

Firefighters had to use struts, straps, and large chains to stabilize all involved vehicles before they could begin the work of safely removing all of the injured. A firefighter and a Johnson County Med-Act paramedic were lifted through the emergency window of the bus to start evaluating injuries inside as other firefighters worked to cut a hole in the wall of the bus.

One-by-one the injured passengers of the bus were lifted off and then moved across the scene to Johnson County Med-Act’s triage area where their injuries would be evaluated further.

After all of the victims had been removed from the vehicles, firefighters and paramedics gathered to discuss the drill and assess their response and handling of the various aspects.

Shawnee Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Pyle addressed everyone who participated in the exercise after its conclusion.

Deputy Fire Chief Sal Scarpa told Operation 100 News this drill was the first time they had the opportunity to use a school bus.

“On a three or four vehicle crash we may see five or six people with injuries,” Scarpa said. “The school bus changes everything, and we have to be prepared for that.”

The school bus was donated to the department for use in the scenario by the Kincaid Group which operates school buses for the Shawnee Mission School District as DS Bus Lines. Several Kansas City area towing companies donated the passenger vehicles.

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PHOTOS: Late-night duplex fire under investigation

Posted: December 29, 2014 - 1:17am
Updated: December 29, 2014 - 8:33am

Two Shawnee Fire apparatus parked in front of the duplex
Operation 100 News - Mike Frizzell photo
Click image to view larger

The Shawnee Fire Department is investigating what caused a late-night duplex fire.

Firefighters were called to 12510 West 62nd Street around 11 Sunday night. The address is just northwest of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Long Avenue.

Arriving firefighters reported fire showing from a lower-level window.

Fire Marshal Corey Sands says, "No one was home at the time of the fire."

"Fire damaged one bedroom, but there is smoke damage throughout the home," according to Fire Marshal Sands.

The fire was under control in about 15 minutes and the cause remains under investigation.

Firefighters from the Overland Park Fire Department's station in Merriam assisted at the scene.

Shawnee Fire Marshal and Police sergeant investigating the scene
Operation 100 News - Mike Frizzell photo
Click image to view larger

Shawnee Fire Marshal's vehicle parked on Long Avenue
Operation 100 News - Mike Frizzell photo
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Two killed in Shawnee apartment building fire

Posted: February 17, 2012 - 5:47am

Updated: February 18, 2012 - 12:54am

Update: Shawnee Fire Chief John Mattox says that food in a pan on the stove sparked the fire which killed two people Friday morning. Mattox identified the victims as 23-year-old JaMaur Smith and 21-year-old Jay'd Griffin, both are said to have died from smoke inhalation. There was a smoke detector in the apartment but, the batteries had been removed, according to Mattox.

Chief Mattox also says that one of the victims was found in the living room, indicating they may have been trying to escape but were overcome by toxic smoke, which doesn't take long. The other victim was found on the bedroom floor. Both victims lost died from carbon monoxide toxicity, otherwise known as smoke inhalation.

"This fire is Shawnee's first citizen fatalities from a fire in more than 10 years," Mattox said.

According to Mattox, "the first thing to go to sleep on you is your olfactory system, you stop smelling things. One of the last things to wake up on you is your olfactory system. That's why it's so important to have early detection."

The building, built in the 1970's, passed its annual fire alarm test in May 2011. Firefighters confirm that the alarm was sounding when they arrived. Dispatchers also reported receiving reports from 911 callers that the alarms were working.


Original Story:

At 5:32 a.m. fire crews from Shawnee and Overland Park were dispatched on a reported apartment building fire at 11601 W 75th Terrace, Carlyle Apartments in Shawnee. Three apparatus and crews were sent from Shawnee Fire along with two apparatus and crews from Overland Park Fire.

Johnson County Emergency Communications Center Dispatchers say they received multiple 911 calls about smoke in the two story building and also received an automatic fire alarm.

Shawnee Police arrived on the scene and reported that the smoke was heaviest in the basement.

Shawnee Fire crews arrived, reporting light haze visible inside. Crews located a small fire in a basement level apartment which had filled with heavy smoke. As those crews were extinguishing the fire, two victims were located. With the assistance of crews from Overland Park Fire both victims were carried out of the building.

According to Shawnee Fire Chief John Mattox, "Firefighters and Johnson County Med-Act attempted CPR, but it was too late." Mattox also says it is likely that the victims succumbed to the smoke.

Firefighters reported the fire was extinguished at 6:08 a.m.. Crews also reported fire alarms were sounding throughout the building.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire Investigators as well as Police Detectives are investigating the cause of the fire as well as a damage estimate.

The Red Cross is also on scene with apartment management assisting the displaced residents.

This is the second apartment fire in Shawnee this week. The first was Tuesday evening, just over half a mile away from this morning's fire. 2-Alarm apartment building fire in Shawnee.

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 injures 2 in Shawnee

Posted: February 11, 2012 - 2:31am
Updated: February 11, 2012 - 2:50am

Shawnee Police are investigating after an early morning accident near 55th Street and Clare road in Shawnee. The accident was reported just after 2 a.m., this morning.

Initial reports indicate that the vehicle was westbound on 55th Street when it crashed through a fence and into a wooded area, as 55th Street ends at Clare road. The driver of the vehicle was able to free himself and walk to a nearby residence to call 911. The only other occupant of the vehicle was a front seat passenger, who was unconscious in the vehicle as units arrived on the scene.

Shawnee Police, Fire and Johnson County Med-Act arrived and reported the vehicle had sustained "very heavy damage." The vehicle's driver is said to have serious injuries, while the passenger is said to have suffered critical injuries. Police have called out their Traffic Safety Unit to investigate the accident and the circumstances surrounding it.

Both the driver and passenger are reported to be males between 21 and 22-years-old. The men were both wearing their seat belts according to Police.

Officers continue to investigate whether or not alcohol played a role in the accident. Johnson County Med-Act did report the smell of alcohol from the driver.

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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Two alarm Shawnee house fire

Posted: February 5, 2012 - 2:23am
Updated: February 5, 2012 - 5:00am

At 1:28 a.m. Sunday morning, Shawnee Fire units were called to investigate a deck fire which was reported to be spreading to the rear of the house at 13872 West 58th Terrace in the Lakeview Estates subdivision. The Merriam Fire Department was also dispatched to assist.

Responding fire crews reported fire showing from the intersection of Johnson Drive and Widmer Drive, approximately 200 yards south of the fire scene. This report was made at 1:33 a.m..

Crews arrived on scene about a minute later and reported heavy fire visible from the rear side of the house. Upon entry into the home, crews reported that the fire had spread into the attic space.

At 1:50 a.m., Incident Command requested a second alarm response to the scene. An additional fire crew from Shawnee Fire as well as crews from Merriam and Lenexa were then added to the alarm.

Interior fire crews reported having issues with water pressure, as a result, those crews were evacuated until the issue could be fixed. While those crews were outside of the structure, Johnson County's Water One was able to boost water pressure to a nearby fire hydrant. Incident Command reported that the issue was handled and interior crews were allowed back inside.

As of 3:03 a.m., crews have reported the fire to be under control. One resident was treated for what were only described as "slight burns to the hands." No one was transported by Med-Act from the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A damage estimate has not been made available as of this report.

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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Deffenbaugh truck involved in fatal accident.

Posted: February 3, 2012 - 12:02pm
Updated: February 4, 2012 - 12:56am

The call was dispatched just after 11:45 a.m. in the 57th Terrace and Goddard Street in Shawnee. A caller reported a Deffenbaugh Disposal truck had crashed in the area.

Shawnee Police and Fire responded with Johnson County Med-Act to the scene. One person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Shawnee Police say their Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the accident. Officers say the man was the Deffenbaugh truck's driver and that he had stepped out of the truck when the truck rolled over him.

Police have identified the driver as, 61-year-old, Gary G. Anderson of Ottawa, Kansas. Anderson was the only person assigned to the truck on Friday.

Goddard Street, between Johnson Drive and 57th Street was closed for about two hours as Police investigated.

Related Story:
Deffenbaugh garbage truck crash in Miami County kills one, critically injures another.

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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.
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Firefighters from the Shawnee Fire Department's Quint 72 & Brush 72
roll up hose line after extinguishing hot spots on Sunday afternoon.
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John Mattox announced as Shawnee Fire's new Chief

Posted: December 10, 2011 - 3:30pm

Shawnee City Manager Carol Gonzales announced recently that effective Monday, December 12th, Deputy Fire Chief John Mattox will be the department's new Fire Chief. John Mattox has been the Acting Fire Chief since September, when Jeff Hudson retired after 36 years with the Shawnee Fire Department. Hudson's last 10 years with the department were as Chief.

"John's extensive experience in the fire service, the roles he has played regionally and nationally in professional associations, and his formal and continuing education have prepared him well for this leadership role. The fire service is a changing industry, and I believe John Mattox is the best person to lead our outstanding department into the future," says City Manager Carol Gonzales.

Chief John Mattox began his fire service career as a volunteer in 1979, with the Edwardsville, Kansas Fire Department. He became a full time firefighter in 1986, was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1987 and another promotion to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief in 2000. Mattox joined the Shawnee Fire Department in 2001 as the city's Fire Marshal. In 2009, Shawnee reclassified the Fire Marshal position to Deputy Fire Chief and John was promoted to that position.

Mattox graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Human Relations from Mid America Nazarene University. He is also a graduate of the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program through the University of Kansas. Chief Mattox is very active and has served in leadership positions in a variety of professional organizations. He currently serves as the President of the Kansas Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and is the past Chairman of the Eastern Kansas Multi-County Arson Task Force, as well as a long time member of the Fire Marshals Association of Kansas.

All information provided by the City of Shawnee and the Shawnee Fire Department.

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Minor injuries after disturbance and fire in Shawnee

Posted: November 30, 2011 - 4:27am
Updated: December 6, 2011 - 5:12am

Update: The Shawnee Fire Department's Fire Prevention Officer, Corey Sands, says that the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and that "it does not appear to be accidental."

Shawnee Police are assisting with the investigation and do not have any suspect information to release at this time.


Original Post:

The Shawnee Fire Department and Police are investigating this morning after a disturbance and a fire broke out. Police and Firefighters were called to 11007 Johnson Drive just before 4 a.m. Wednesday morning.

A source familiar with the incident tells me that the victim was allegedly assaulted and the suspect or possibly suspects, then started a fire inside the building. The victim was able to make his was to a neighboring 7-Eleven and called 911.

Police arrived on scene and reported that the suspect had fled the scene. Fire crews reported "light smoke visible from one half of a block away." Upon further investigation fire crews located and quickly knocked down a fire. The fire was reported under control just after 4:20 a.m..

Johnson County Med-Act transported the victim to an area hospital with minor injuries, related to the assault.

Shawnee Firefighters were assisted by crews from the Merriam Fire Department on the fire scene. One apparatus from the Overland Park Fire Department also responded to provide fire coverage for the area.

A damage estimate has not been released and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Police are also investigating the alleged assault.

The neighboring "Pegah's Family Restaurant" along with other neighboring businesses were checked and are being allowed to open as normal.


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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K-7 accident in Shawnee

Posted: October 19, 2011 - 1:04pm
Updated: October 19, 2011 - 1:35pm

The Kansas Highway Patrol and Shawnee Police are investigating an injury accident that occurred shortly before 1 p.m. at Kansas Highway 7 near the 43rd Street intersection.

There are reported to be two injuries involved. One of those is reported to be serious.

Reports from a witness at the scene is that a truck was T-boned by another vehicle. The truck rolled onto it's side and was then pushed back to its wheels by witnesses. The Shawnee Fire Department advised that the truck involved sustained heavy damage.

The truck's driver is reported to be a male in his late 60's.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says that a vehicle was traveling westbound on 43rd Street, ran a red light while entering the intersection and struck a truck traveling northbound on K-7 Highway.

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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Car vs building accident in Shawnee

Posted: October 18, 2011 - 6:48am
Updated: October 18, 2011 - 7:49am

Click to enlarge
Photo provided by the Shawnee Police Department

Just after 6:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, emergency crews were called to "Char House Barbeque and Fried Chicken" located 12200 Johnson Drive in Shawnee after a car crashed into the building.

Police say the female driver was helped from the car by the Fire Department and she was transported by Johnson County Med-Act to an area hospital with minor injuries. No one was inside the business at the time of the accident.

A witness at the scene tells Operation 100 News that the woman appears to be in her 60's. She was wearing her seat belt and the car's airbags were deployed. That witness also states that the woman was conscious and telling Police that she "swerved to miss another car" just before the crash.

No other injuries were reported.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available.

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2011 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend LIVE

This year marks the 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and will honor six Kansas Firefighters. 72 firefighters died in 2010 and will be honored along with 17 firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at this official national service held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.


The National Firefighters Foundation says, in 2010 27 states lost firefighters in the line of duty. Illinois lost eight, New York and Pennsylvania each lost seven. Kansas lost six.


This year's memorial weekend is being held, October 14-16 2011.

John Bradford Glaser, age 33, of the Shawnee, Kansas Fire Department was separated from his crew and later found deceased inside the structure. He and his crew were attempting to locate a civilian reportedly in the structure on May 22, 2010. Glaser was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and had been with the Shawnee Fire Department since 2004. He is survived by his wife Amber and two children. Firefighter John Glaser is among six Kansas Firefighters who will be memorialized this year.




You can watch LIVE on this site thanks to Motorola Solutions and WUSA9.com.


>>Candlelight Service will be broadcast on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Telecast begins at 5:15 p.m.; Service begins at 5:30 p.m. Central time.


>>Memorial Service will be broadcast on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Telecast begins at 8:30 a.m.; Service begins at 9 a.m. Central time.

BURN BAN announced for Shawnee

Posted: October 7, 2011 - 2:50pm
Updated: October 29, 2011 - 5:56am

The city of Shawnee has announced a burn ban and reminds citizens of the extremely dry conditions in the area.

The burn ban is effective immediately and bans all outdoor burning, regardless of if a permit has been previously issued. Residents that already hold burn permits are asked to contact the Fire Department at (913) 631-1080 to make arrangements to use the permits once the ban is lifted. The Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and will resume issuing burn permits as soon as safe burning weather conditions will allow.

Citizens are also reminded to carefully discard smoking materials during this ban and cautioned against allowing vehicles to run while parked in grassy areas as both can ignite fires. Charcoal and other grills should be carefully monitored to insure that these fires remain contained to the grill.

"Simple precautions can help prevent fires from occurring withing our community and keep everyone safe," says Acting Fire Chief John Mattox in a statement released this afternoon.

Related Story:
Johnson County Burn Bans

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Fire Department Open Houses this Weekend

Posted: October 7, 2011 - 2:22pm

Overland Park and Olathe Fire Departments will be holding an open house this weekend, as a kick off to Fire Safety Week.

Overland Park - Saturday, October 8th. At the Overland Park Fire Department Training Center located at 12401 Hemlock Street. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Get directions

Olathe - Sunday, October 9th. At Olathe Fire Station #1 located at 501 E. Old Highway 56. From 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Get directions

Also on Saturday, the City of Shawnee and the Shawnee Fire Department are hosting the 2nd Annual John Glaser Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Shawnee Fire Headquarters at 6501 Quivira Road Get directions

John Glaser 5K

Posted: October 5, 2011

The John Glaser 5K Run/Walk will be held this Saturday, October 8, 2011. The even honors Shawnee Firefighter John Glaser and benefits the John Glaser Memorial Fund and SAFE (The Surviving Spouses and Family Endowment Fund). SAFE supports the families of Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and Emergency Services Personnel who have lost their lives protecting the community in the Kansas City Metro area.

John Glaser was a firefighter in the city of Shawnee, Kansas who died in the line of duty on May 22, 2010. Firefighter Glaser was working on the scene of a structure fire where there were reports of an occupant still inside. Glaser was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and had been with the Shawnee Fire Department since 2004. He is survived by his wife Amber and two children.

The John Glaser 5K Run/Walk begins and ends at Shawnee Fire Headquarters, located at 6501 Quivira Road, Shawnee, Kansas.

For more information about John Glaser, the charities and the event please visit the JohnGlaser5K.com. You can also register to participate or simply contribute a donation online. All ages are welcome. Participants will receive;  IPICO chip timing, cotton race shirt, raffle prizes and top overall, masters, 5 year age group awards along with food and beverages at the finish.

Overland Park 3-Alarm townhouse fire

Posted: October 4, 2011 - 6:18pm
Updated: October 4, 2011 - 8:30pm

The Overland Park Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire that broke out Tuesday evening, before 5:45 p.m. in the 8300 block of Hadley Street.

The Fire Department says that witnesses reported hearing what they believed to be an explosion just before they noticed the fire, which then moved up the walls of the complex

Overland Park Firefighters were assisted by crews from Merriam, Lenexa, Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2, Shawnee and Olathe.

The fire was declared to be out shortly after 8 p.m.. 

Initial reports indicate that more than six units were damaged along with numerous garages. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion. No one was transported from the scene.