Downtown Overland Park KS on fire. Out of control.

eyewitness | 3/1/06 | Mercat

[Mercat]

Downtown Overland Park is on fire. Sounds like about half of it is gutted. The fire is being seen from as far away as 50 miles. Source was an old cluttered art gallery.

[Mercat]

Any Kansas freepers out there?

[Crazieman]

No way! *Sticks on news*

[Crazieman]

I'm not seeing anything on Wichita stations.

[GianniV]

Is Sprint on fire?

[GianniV]

Is Sprint on fire?

[1rudeboy]

TROP?

[sure_fine]

that would be plastered all over the TV stations, thats a big area

[Mercat]

No, the Sprint Campus is several miles away.

[TomGuy]

Huge fire breaks out in downtown Overland Park

By BRAD COOPER The Kansas City Star

A huge fire broke out in the downtown Overland Park business district shortly before 5 p.m. this evening.

Flames appeared to have originated at Gil Rumsey’s Gallery across from the landmark clock tower adjacent to the city’s farmer’s market. Thick, black smoke billowed skyward as popping sounds resonated near the ground.

Heat from the flames could be felt 25 yards away, and a smell like burnt plastic permeated the air.

At least one vehicle also was on fire. Nearby businesses include a swimsuit shop, a law office and a bar.

Several hundred people gathered in the area, and some were splashed with water that firefighters directed at the flames. Many were taking photos on their cell phones.

[rwfromkansas]

wow!

[hole_n_one]

Overland Park, KC as seen from above..........

[Maury]

Wow, you can feel the heat a whole 25 yards away? ;)

[hole_n_one]

Hi-Res pic is here

Source

[Mercat]

Thanks. This is the first I've heard that the law offices were threatened. I have a good friend in those offices and I just emailed him. Our families have been going to the Dragon Inn for decades so I hope that they are okay. Prayers for anyone affected.

[Mercat]

I can see my house and office.

[hmmmmm]

That's a very small portion of Overland Park. This picture shows the area around Metcalf Ave. and College Blvd. Downtown Overland park would be directly north, roughly 2-3 miles.

[1stMarylandRegiment]

The net is your friend. Fire has consumed less than one city block of the downtown district - an art gallery is destroyed, and a restaurant and neighboring business have sustained water and smoke damage. High winds are hampering efforts to contain the blaze.

KMBC TV link here

[colorado tanker]

I grew up near there, but I don't recall anyplace I'd call a "downtown." It's a suburb of K.C.

[TomGuy]

Fire Rages In Historic OP District

Art Gallery On Santa Fe Drive Destroyed

POSTED: 5:15 pm CST March 1, 2006 UPDATED: 6:18 pm CST March 1, 2006

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Crews are battling a raging fire in an historic business district at Santa Fe Drive and 79th Street.

NewsChopper 9's Johnny Rowlands reported that the three-alarm fire is consuming part of the city block and may involve several businesses, including an art gallery and a restaurant and bar.

The art gallery appears to be destroyed, and several nearby businesses have suffered smoke and water damage.

Rowlands reported that gusty winds are complicating the problem and that crews are struggling to contain the fire.

A roof collapsed on one of the buildings, Rowlands reported. The blaze was so intense it caused a car parked in front of the building to catch fire.

No injuries have been reported.

KMBC's Peggy Breit reported that thick, black smoke is hanging over much of the city and that there are hundreds of spectators in the area. . Traffic is being rerouted in the district.

[Mercat]

Downtown Overland Park is the old downtown. It's West of Metcalf and about 79th street. It's been thriving lately with a wonderful farmer's market, specialty shops, lots of art galleries, coffee shops, antiques. This is devastating.