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Updated: 4:55 PM Jun 3, 2008
Update: Four-Alarm Fire At Wichita Strip Mall
Wichita fire crews responded to a four-alarm fire shortly before 6:30 p.m. at a strip mall on the southwest corner of Central and Tyler. The fire caused $4 million in damage. Posted: 7:08 PM Jun 2, 2008Reporter: Deb Farris Email Address: deb.farris@kake.com |
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Investigators don't know how a four alarm fire at a West Wichita strip mall started, but they don't believe it was arson.
The fire broke out last night at the Westlink Shopping Center at Central and Tyler.
The businesses and parking lot were evacuated as firefighters began working on the fire. It is believed that the fire started at the Four Seasons Dry Cleaners and spread through the attic. Three of the businesses suffered extensive fire damage while the rest were flooded with smoke. Businesses like All Sports are waiting for electricity to be restored to determine the extent of the damage.
The manager of Meyer Jewelry said the jewelry was in a safe and was unharmed. Half a dozen stores in the shopping center were closed today for cleanup.
Fire crews had to break through windows and doors to battle the blaze. In all, it took 85 fire fighters to get the fire under control.
Fire Chief Ron Blackwell said crews will remain on the scene all night watching the building and monitoring hot spots.
The estimated damage totaled $4 million, including $1.5 million in building damage and $2.5 million damage to contents.
The cause is still unknown but there is no evidence that the fire was intentionally set.
Engineers will spend the day checking out possible causes of the blaze.
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