DOUGLAS COUNTY— One firefighter was injured and residents evacuated following a fire in Lawrence on Monday.
Lawrence Police released a behind the scenes look at the community effort that went into safely evacuating every resident of the Brandon Woods senior liviing community during the fire.
Just after noon Monday, crews responded to a fire at Brandon Woods senior living residence, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.
Multiple reports of heavy smoke and fire with flames were reported by residents and bystanders.
First responders arrived to find occupants being evacuated by facility staff and Lawrence Kansas Police Department. There was a large amount of dense smoke coming from the structure.
Fire was found in the attic and crews performed venting efforts upon arrival. Additional resources such as department chief officers, the mobile integrated health (MIH) team, and the logistics technician responded to the incident to assist with moving residents to designated safety spaces.
The fire was declared under control at 2:20 p.m. LDCFM crews will continue to perform fire watch on the building overnight.
LDCFM coordinated with the Lawrence Transit Department and LKPD to transport approximately 85 residents to Bella Sera Condominiums. The residents were connected to resources with the Red Cross and Douglas County Emergency Management to identify alternative housing options.
One LKPD officer was transported for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.
Resources through mutual aid were provided from Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Olathe Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT. These resources assisted with additional coverage for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County during this incident.