SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal house fire on Sunday in Topeka have determined the cause of this fire was intentionally set, according to Topeka Fire Department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. Law enforcement have not released the name of the victim or reported suspect details. Authorities were still working to contact the family of the victim, according to Nichols earlier this week.
Just after 6p.m. Oct. 13, crews from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1640 SW Buchanan Street.
Firs responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story residence. Firefighters performed a search and found an individual on the second floor of the residence who was later pronounced deceased.
Crews extinguished the fire. Investigators have not reported an arrest.