Warrensburg Fire Department says furniture store fire was caused by downed utility pole

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Warrensburg Fire Department is assessing damage from a fire at a furniture store Tuesday evening.

At about 8:15 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to Arwood's Furniture, located at 801 Pride Ave., following reports of a large fire and explosion.

The department said that once firefighters arrived, they saw a significant fire on the building's rear exterior.

Firefighters also discovered a downed utility pole with damaged transformers adjacent to the building.

Multiple energized power lines were on the ground, which created additional hazards for responding personnel, per the fire department.

Firefighters worked with Evergy to disconnect the downed lines and equipment.

The fire department was able to quickly contain the fire, limiting damage to the building.

Two automatic fire sprinkler heads activated and successfully controlled the blaze inside the building.

Fire, smoke and water damage were largely confined to the warehouse area of the building, the fire department said.

Approximately 45 firefighters from the Warrensburg Fire Department, Johnson County Fire Protection District, and Whiteman Air Force Base Fire Department responded to the incident.

The fire department says the fire is believed to be accidental and related to the downed utility pole and damaged transformers.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury. They were treated and released at the scene.

No one else was hurt.

The store was closed at the time of the fire.

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