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UPDATE: Kan. woman sets apartment on fire in attempt to kill bug

Monday morning apartment building fire in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW-TV

TOPEKA -A Kansas woman accidentally set her apartment on fire in an attempt to kill a bug by burning it with a small, flip-style lighter.

Monique Quarles tells The Topeka Capital-Journal that sparks shot out of the lighter and caused a mattress to catch fire in the Fairlawn Green Apartments complex in Topeka.

After she was unable to put out the fire, Quarles left the unit with two others and began alerting residents of the fire. Fire officials say 13 adults and six children have been displaced.

Topeka Fire Department Battalion Chief Chris Herrera says one person was taken to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation.

A firefighter also was treated for smoke inhalation.

Officials estimate that the fire caused $140,000 in damage.

The apartment complex was the scene of another large fire in July 2016.

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SHAWNEE COUNTY- Two people were injured during an apartment complex fire early Monday.

Just before 4a.m., fire crews responded to a reported structure fire at 5230 SW 20th Terrace, in Topeka.

Upon arrival firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the three-story apartment building, according to a media release.

Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and primary search of the building. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to the building.

During this fire event one occupant and one firefighter were transported to a Topeka area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The occupant was treated for smoke inhalation and firefighter for heat exhaustion.

The Red Cross is assisting thirteen adults and six children displaced due to this fire. Initial damage estimates are $120,000.00 to the structure and $20,000.00 contents.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

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