SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) – A fire damaged the grounds of a local cemetery last weekend just north of Topeka.
Firefighters with the Soldier Township Fire Department and Topeka Fire Department worked together to douse the flames at Rochester Cemetery located at 1200 NW Menninger Rd. in Shawnee County, according to the cemetery grounds manager. Fire crews had to douse the fire more than once before it was finally extinguished.
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Cody Brey, grounds manager at the cemetery, told 27 News the initial fire got started in the afternoon hours of Saturday, March 21. He said firefighters put the flames out, but they reignited early on the morning of Sunday, March 22.
“Not the entire property, but it did hit a number of sections,” Brey said. “It would be the east side of the cemetery.”
(Photo By: Delaney Gregory)
(Photo By: Delaney Gregory)
(Photo By: Delaney Gregory)
(Photo By: Delaney Gregory)
(Photo By: Delaney Gregory)
(Photo By: Delaney Gregory)
Brey said he’s worked at the cemetery for almost a decade, but has never had to deal with a fire before on the grounds. He said fire crews didn’t know what initially started the fire, but local dry conditions allowed the fire to spread quickly.
“Just wow,” Brey said. “I’ve worked here for a number of years and never would I have expected something like that.”
Brey said a number of decorations and other items with sentimental value were damaged or destroyed due to the fire. However, many of the tombstones survived the fire with little damage, if any. Staff at the cemetery are currently assessing the damage and doing cleanup.
“Its unfortunate that it happened, but what can you do?” Brey said.
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