At 1:22 a.m. the Chanute Fire Department and the Chanute Police Department were dispatched to the Cornerstone Apartments at 1610 W. 4th, Chanute, Kansas for a structure fire.  The apartment complex contained 24 units all of which were occupied.  Upon arrival, the south half of the apartment building was fully engulfed.  Chanute Police officers started evacuating the apartment building.  Chanute Fire Department immediately requested assistance from Parsons, Iola and Thayer Fire departments.  Currently there were numerous injuries and one fatality.

The Chanute Fire Department remains on scene along with the ATF and Kansas Fire Marshal’s office to investigate the origin of the fire at this time.

Red Cross has opened an Emergency Center at Central Park Pavilion, 101 S. Forest, Chanute, KS to help those in need of assistance.  Those wanting to help residents of the Cornerstone apartments may contact the Red Cross.