Dec 04, 2023

Cause of fire at former Kan. school building under investigation

Posted Dec 04, 2023 3:30 PM
Photo Topeka Fire Department
Photo Topeka Fire Department

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a former Kansas school building.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department responded to fire at the former Van Buren School located at 1601 SW Van Buren Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Crews found flames coming from the three-story building. Due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building, crews began a defensive attack and were able to keep the fire contained to the building.

SW Topeka Blvd. at SW 16th St. was closed for about two hours due to the fire.

Since the initial fire call, crews has responded three more times due to the fire rekindling. As of Monday morning, the fire is out and no injuries have been reported. 

The estimated structural and contents losses from the incident are not available. The building had no working smoke detectors.