Feb 29, 2024

2 hospitalized after fire at Kansas City homeless camp

Posted Feb 29, 2024 11:00 AM
The Troost bridge at 20th street is being inspected by public works for damage and is currently closed.- Photo courtesy KMBC
The Troost bridge at 20th street is being inspected by public works for damage and is currently closed.- Photo courtesy KMBC

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire at a homeless camp that sent two to the hospital.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, crews initially responded to a reported building fire in the area of 20th and Troost, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 A passerby reported smoke from the building.  Crews identified that the smoke was actually from a homeless camp at the rear of the building under the bridge near the railroad tracks.

Additional responding units diverted to 20th and Forest for better access and were able to extinguish the large fire. Initial reports indicated possibly 8 to 10 homeless individuals injured, which triggered the large ambulance response.

EMS transported only two patients from the incident, one in critical condition and one in serious condition. The Troost bridge at 20th street is being inspected by public works for damage and is currently closed.