“Improperly disposed of smoking materials” may have been the cause of Monday’s fire at Founders Hill Apartments, according to a Tuesday afternoon press release from the Manhattan Fire Department.
“Improperly disposed of smoking materials were found in the area of origin and could not be ruled out as the cause,” the press release said.
Investigators determined the fire originated in the southwest corner of the building on a second-floor balcony. The building has now been released to the owners, First Management Inc. of Lawrence, Kansas.Related:
91 displaced by Founders Hill fire, cause still unknown
Aided by a strong wind, the fire swept through the attic and balconies of Building G at the apartment complex at 1401 College Ave. It burned for approximately four hours.
Additionally, 41 of the 91 residents of the building are still displaced because of the fire.
The Office of Student Life at Kansas State had an informational meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday for students affected by the fire and needing resources. Student Life said people wanting to help may call the American Red Cross at 844-334-7569.
The loss of the building was originally estimated at $2 million, but has now been raised to $3.5 million. Another $500,000 was estimated in loss to contents of the building.Related:
Photos: Fire at Founders Hill Apartments
A Twitter poll conducted by the Collegian showed that nine percent of the 134 respondents were affected in some way by the fire.
Have you been affected by the fire at Founders Hill? If so, email news@collegianmedia.com https://t.co/ZzNHxyeZ48
— K-State Collegian (@kstatecollegian) October 17, 2016
