A midday fire at a budget motel in Olathe abruptly turned checkout time into evacuation time on Thursday, forcing dozens from their rooms and temporarily displacing 28 people and two dogs. No injuries were reported.
The blaze broke out in a laundry room at the KC Motel, 1415 W. Ott St., after a call that came in around 11 a.m. Fire crews contained the flames to that area of the property, keeping the damage from spreading to guest rooms.
As reported by The Kansas City Star, the Olathe Fire Department led the response while the American Red Cross stepped in to help guests who suddenly found themselves without a place to stay. The Star published initial coverage of the incident.
Local television coverage said crews arrived shortly after the 911 call, found active fire in the laundry room and moved quickly to evacuate guests. KCTV shared the fire department’s social media update and published photos that showed firefighters working around the motel.
Fire Contained; Cause Under Investigation
"No injuries," the fire department noted in its social media post, a rare bit of good news for guests who had to leave their rooms in the middle of the day. Officials added that the Red Cross was on site to provide immediate help to anyone displaced, including short-term shelter and basic supplies.
Investigators remained at the motel Thursday, working to determine how the laundry room fire started, officials told local media. KCTV also included the department’s social media update in its coverage.
Nearby Blazes Add Context
The motel fire comes just weeks after a June duplex blaze in Olathe that investigators believe was sparked by a firework and displaced 13 people. As reported by The Kansas City Star, that earlier fire prompted city officials to once again urge residents to leave fireworks to public, permitted displays, especially in dense neighborhoods where one bad spark can quickly turn into a multi-family emergency.
Help For Displaced Guests
The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City typically sends its Disaster Action Team volunteers to scenes like Thursday’s fire to help people who suddenly lose access to their homes. Those volunteers provide temporary shelter options, emergency supplies and referrals for longer-term recovery assistance. The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City lists a local hotline at 816-931-8400 for anyone needing immediate help or housing referrals after a fire.
Olathe officials said more details will be released once investigators finish their on-site work. Residents looking for updates are encouraged to follow the City of Olathe Fire Department and local news outlets for the latest information, as well as for general fire safety resources and services.
