Investigators determine cause of $4M Kansas apartment building fire

Fire crews on the scene of Monday's fire in Manhattan-photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department — Fire crews on the scene of Monday’s fire in Manhattan-photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department

MANHATTAN– Investigators on Tuesday afternoon concluded work at the scene Monday’s Founders Hill Apartment building fire at 1401 College Avenue Building G, in Manhattan.

Investigators determined improperly disposed of smoking materials were found in the area of origin and could not be ruled out as the cause, according to a media release.

The fire started on the second floor balcony in the southwest corner of the building.

It quickly spread up the building, pushed by strong southerly winds, by means of the balconies above and had reached the attic area prior to the fire department arrival.

The loss to the building is now estimated as $3.5 million dollars with an additional $500,000 loss to the contents.

There are 41 residents that continue to be displaced by the fire.