Salina Post
The Fire Department has deemed the significant fire that occurred at Ridge of Salina apartments on Wednesday afternoon "accidental" and "likely careless discarding of smoking materials."
Original: Significant fire at Chapel Ridge apartments, cause of fire unknown
This information comes after the Fire Department released a city-wide statement regarding the incident.
Below you will find the statement by the Salina Fire Department:
The Salina Fire Department was dispatched to The Ridge Apartment complex located at 2363 Chapel Ridge at approximately 3:00 p.m., the afternoon of January 14th, 2026, after receiving reports of fire and smoke coming from the front of a two-story apartment building at the complex.
Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire and smoke conditions extending from the front of the building into the soffit with fire already extending into the attic and through the roof.
Crews immediately began fire suppression operations while also conducting a search for occupants in the affected apartment units.
Due to the amount of active fire and potential for life safety issues, a second alarm was struck upon the arrival of the on-duty Battalion Chief.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for an extended period to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to check for any extension into neighboring units.
While several residents were displaced as a result of the fire, all occupants were able to safely exit the building and there are no injuries to report.
The cause of the fire has been ruled as accidental and likely due to the careless discarding of smoking materials near the front of the building.
The Salina Fire Department was assisted by the Salina Police Department, Evergy and the Salvation Army.
We thank our partner agencies for their assistance and the public for their cooperation during the incident.