Emporia saw its fifth fire-related death for 2008 in a fire early Saturday morning at 1235 Exchange St.
Fire Chief Jack Taylor said the number of fire-related deaths in Emporia this year is highly unusual, however, it’s not a record year for fires. He didn’t have figures available regarding the most fire deaths in Emporia in a single year.
“It’s certainly unusual for us,” Taylor said. “In the seven years that I’ve been here, it’s more than we ever had.”
The name of Saturday’s victim has not been released, said Taylor. He said officials are still trying to find the victim’s next of kin. Taylor was able to say that the victim died from smoke inhalation.
“The police department is assisting us with trying to locate the next of kin,” Taylor said.
The victim, a man, was found on the second floor of the structure and was removed. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Fire crews were called out to the residence at 2:55 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived, heavy smoke was coming out of the second story of the house. The home has two stories and has been divided into four apartments, Taylor said. At least two of those apartments are occupied. Taylor said he doesn’t know the extent of the damage.
“I know that there was pretty extensive damage to the apartment (of) the individual that perished in the fire...” Taylor said.
There were no other injuries related to the fire.
“Either no one was home or escaped,” Taylor said.
2008’s fire deaths
Jan 15: A fire at 603 Valley Drive claimed two lives, Michael Leith, 38, and Ryan Steinkuhler, 22
May 22: Karl Kayser, 94, of rural Americus, died at the scene of a outbuilding fire that got out of control. His death was not caused directly by the fire.
Aug. 10: A fire at 1024 Weaver St. claimed the life of Bruce Neill, 49.
Sept. 6: A fire at 1235 Exchange St. claimed the life of an unknown victim.