Newton Fire/EMS continues to work apartment fire

Newton Fire/EMS crews continue to fight hot spots after a fire gutted an apartment building at Fox Meadows on West 12th Street today.

The fire destroyed a fourplex building of 12 units. There is still no indication of the cause of the fire.

About 15 residents were displaced, and they are being provided hotel rooms as temporary shelter. A number of pets were recovered from the fire, and they are being taken to Caring Hands Humane Society for shelter.

Financial donations to support the displaced residents can be sent to the Newton Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund. No physical donations are being accepted at this time.

Residents in adjacent buildings at Fox Meadows are now permitted to return to their homes, although electricity remains off. Harvey County officials are working with Evergy to get power restored.

The fire was reported just before noon today. One resident of the building, a man in his 40s, was taken by ambulance in critical condition to a Wichita hospital.

Fire departments from Hesston, Halstead and Walton responded to the fire. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting the investigation.