Kansas City firefighters respond to large apartment fire

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department is responding to an apartment fire off Linwood Boulevard near 71 Highway.

KCFD responded to the fire around 5:30 a.m. Friday. KCFD said the fire started on the first floor of an abandoned apartment building. The flames on the first floor quickly spread up all the way through the roof.

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The fire intensity became too much for responders and the structure of the building became questionable. Crews were told to get out of the building and defensive operations were initiated.

According to officials, responders sprayed water on surrounding buildings to prevent the spread of the fire.

Firefighters said their biggest concern at the moment is if the building will collapse. They hope that if it does, it falls straight down so they can put out the rest of the flames.

Evergy has cut off electricity to the area. An Evergy spokesperson said there was no power at the building.

No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is being investigated.