Overland Park apartment fire highlights building challenges for firefighters

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) - One person died in an apartment fire Monday morning that highlighted the challenges firefighters face when battling blazes in older buildings with renovations.

Crews responded to the fire at the Ainsley Apartments at 106th Terrace and Antioch Road just after 5 a.m.

The victim was identified as 55-year-old David Eugene Slavens of Overland Park.

“They did find one victim in one of the apartments. They were deceased,” said Chief Alan Long of the Overland Park Fire Department.

The cause of the fire, which damaged several units and the building’s roof, remained under investigation as of early Monday evening. Firefighters evacuated everyone else from the building, but officials said the structure presented challenges.

“The fire did get into a common space up in the attic,” Long said.

Building construction creates firefighting obstacles

Lt. Michael Levasseur said Station 41’s area includes older buildings that have been renovated over time.

“Creates a challenge to get through with our saws,” Levasseur said.

The renovations create hidden spaces where fire spreads, he said.

“As we try to fight fire in that void space between the living area and the roofline, it has a tendency to spread both vertically and laterally. That’s what happened with this one,” Levasseur said.

Training focuses on building construction

Firefighters train on various types of building construction to help them find the path of least resistance through materials ranging from wood to metal.

“Training is absolutely vital,” Levasseur said.

Crews use chainsaws and K-saws with diamond-tipped blades to create openings.

“We have to give the smoke and heat somewhere to go. We want to open up the attic space which is where our chainsaws and our k-saws come into use,” Levasseur said.

Firefighters also tour buildings in their area during non-emergency calls to understand layouts.

“We take the time whenever we have a call in a building during a nonemergency so that the next time we do come, if it is a true emergency, a true fire, we have a better idea of the layout of the floor plan of the whole building. Where are we likely to find victims. How the layout of that structure works,” Levasseur said.

Fire safety recommendations

The fire was one of two significant apartment fires in Overland Park within 48 hours. Levasseur said residents should test smoke alarms and change batteries regularly. He also recommended knowing at least two escape routes from home.

“Work to find at least two ways out of your home,” Levasseur said.