MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Firefighters in Manhattan say a fire at the local Big Brothers Big Sisters office caused nearly $200,000 in damage Tuesday.
Ryan Almes with the Manhattan Fire Department said in a press release that firefighters were called shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 27 to the 500 block of Pierre Street on reports of a house fire. Crews found a two-story house on fire in the area.
Almes said the home had been converted into an office for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Firefighters spotted flames coming from several windows in the rear of the house. It took crews around an hour to douse the fire.
The MFD reports the fire caused an estimated $10,000 in damage to contents and $175,000 in damage to the house. The MFD is investigating what caused the fire.
Mary Shannon, president and CEO of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, told 27 News that no one was inside the office at the time of the fire. While she is thankful no one was injured, she said the fire has likely resulted in a “total loss” for the building and all of its contents.
(Photo By: Amy Acevedo)
(Photo By: Amy Acevedo)
“Fortunately, all of our staff are just fine,” Shannon said.
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Shannon said Big Brothers Big Sisters staff are making a list of next steps in the aftermath of the fire. She said they’re looking for temporary office space and donations to help the organization get back on its feet in the Little Apple.
“It’s hard to believe in times of difficulty, but it will be okay because our community is amazing, our staff are amazing and kids are worth it,” Shannon said.
Shannon said the Manhattan Big Brothers Big Sisters office is currently in need of donations. If you want to help, you can find a donation link online by clicking here or on the Big Brothers Big Sisters website by clicking here.
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