TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 700 SE Brookside Drive, shortly after 10:10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008.

First arriving fire officials reported heavy smoke and flames showing from a window, located on the upper level, northwest corner of this address.

Firefighters were notified at the scene that all of the occupants had safely exited the structure, prior to their arrival. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and confine the damage caused by this fire to the structure of origin; after-which the department’s Fire Investigations Unit was notified and responded to assist with an investigation of this incident. The investigation revealed:

• Cause (of this fire) – accidental; associated with children playing with matches.
• Origin – interior, upper-level, northwest corner of the structure
• Estimated dollar loss - $21,000.00 (twenty-one thousand dollars); $17,000.00 was structural damage and $4,000.00 was content damage.

There were no reported injuries associated with this incident however, the Kansas Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross was notified and responded to assist one adult and four children with immediate, post-fire related needs.