TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Topeka food pantry is scrambling to recover after a damaging fire Wednesday night.
Topeka firefighters were called around 10:15 p.m. on Nov. 12 to the Breadbasket Food Pantry located at 708 Southeast Lime St. on reports of a fire. Responding fire crews found smoke coming from the front and roof of the food pantry and worked to put out the blaze.
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Firefighters at the scene found the fire had started on the exterior of the building before spreading to the attic. Damage was done to some of the supplies inside, like winter clothes and coats, before fire crews could put a stop to the flames.
Pantry organizers quickly began seeing what items could be salvaged in the aftermath of the fire. By a stroke of luck, the pantry’s food wasn’t damaged.
“The interesting thing is the clothes are all ruined, or mostly, there are a few coats left, but the food is unharmed,” said Mary Tyler, director of the Breadbasket Food Pantry. “No smoke damage, no water damage, no nothing. The food is all in excellent shape, so I’m just grateful I have food to give to these people.”
Tyler said the building has cameras around it, but they were covered up for a painting job. Investigators are looking into what caused the fire to suddenly erupt Wednesday night, while the food pantry’s organizers are asking for help from the community.
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Breadbasket Food Pantry will be open again from 9 am. to noon on Nov. 14. You can make food or monetary donations by clicking here.
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