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City fire investigators say accidental burn pit likely sparked house fire; mayor reiterates ordinance
Summary
Lieutenant Morgan described a Jan. 26 house fire at 1515 North Saint Francis as accidental and likely caused by embers from an above-ground burn pit; he reminded residents the City of Wichita requires approved (typically UL-listed) containers and provided a city contact number for questions.
Lieutenant Morgan reported on a Jan. 26 house fire at 1515 North Saint Francis and said investigators classify the cause as accidental and the probable result of an above-ground burn pit. "Now the cause of this fire is classified as accidental and result of probable above ground burn pits," he said, adding investigators found evidence that embers from a burn two days earlier likely carried to the home.
He told residents that the City of Wichita has an ordinance restricting fire pits and that approved units are generally UL-listed containers sold at retail stores. "They must be in approved containers," Lieutenant Morgan said, explaining that common steel drums seen in the community are not approved. He gave a city contact number for questions: (316) 268-4441.
Why it matters: The incident underscores public-safety risks tied to unapproved burn pits and reiterates that the city restricts open burning except in approved devices. Residents should check permit and equipment requirements before burning yard debris.
What happens next: The fire remains classified as accidental; the city reiterated enforcement options and provided a contact number for residents with questions or to report unsafe burning.
