LAWRENCE, KS (KCTV) -
Some University of Kansas students have more than just pop quizzes to worry about - they need a place to live after an overnight apartment fire near campus.
Lawrence fire investigators say the fire was caused by a tossed smoking item.
Now several KU students will be looking for another temporary home.
Thursday, Lawrence firefighters were still combing through charred out debris Thursday afternoon at the Berkeley Flats apartments directly east of the KU Memorial football stadium.
The fire broke Wednesday just after 10 p.m. Flames spilled from the top floor of the apartments, located near 11th and Indiana streets in Lawrence. KU student John Steinmetz's video shows just how powerful those flames were as they were captured shooting as high as 10 feet into the air.
The Lawrence battalion chief on scene said smoke alarms woke the tenant in the upstairs apartment where it started. He managed to get out safely as did others who were alerted by smoke detectors.
Fourteen KU students were displaced and received assistance from the Red Cross, including books, supplies and boarding.
Neighbors said the smoke was thick and it was difficult to find pets. While most of the tenants who had pets were able to locate them, others are still looking.
No injuries were reported, but the heavily damaged building will take weeks to repair.
The fire caused more than $400,000 in damage. The apartment manager did not answer the media's questions.
Before asked to leave the property KCTV5's Heather Staggers spoke with one parent who came to pick up his son after hearing about the fire.
Most students will stay with friends or relatives until apartments are provided.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
