Investigators are working to determine the cause of a large fire at a strip mall in the Kansas City suburb of Smithville.
Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department responded on a mutual aid request from Smithville Fire District to a fire at a strip mall at U.S. 169 and Main in Smithville, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.
Fire crews were at the scene of a fire in the Westlake Plaza Building in the strip mall. A caller reported that there had been a fire in the kitchen of one on the restaurants located in the building, but that the fire was out, according to a media release.. The first units were on scene within minutes and reported heavy smoke and fire from the roof of the building.. The Smithville fire chief and deputy chief cleared everyone from the building. At that time the ceilings were already collapsing with 2 of the restaurants.
SAFD crews made entry into the 2 restaurants and attacked the fire. Efforts were hampered by strong winds pushing the fire through the building. As additional units arrived, multiple hose lines and ladder trucks were used to knock down the fire. The building and its contents were a total loss. There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. Traffic was shut down on 169 Highway for several hours due to supply lines being laid down the highway to provide water supply.
Kansas City Fire Department sent 2 pumpers, 3 trucks, and 2 ambulance to aid the neighbors to the north.