Kansas City Fire Department Assistant Chief John Baker joins Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins during the Tasty Topic luncheon at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce office to discuss vacant structure fires. | Photo by Dorri Partain
Kansas City Fire Department Assistant Chief John Baker joins Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins during the Tasty Topic luncheon at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce office to discuss vacant structure fires. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

To provide information to Historic Northeast business owners and residents, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (2657 Independence Blvd.) hosted two officials with the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) during this month’s Tasty Topic Talk luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins was joined by Assistant Chief John Baker. Hopkins is currently serving as the Public Information and Media Relations officer for the department and began the discussion by stating that he is also a resident of Northeast and shares the same concerns regarding the number of fires in recent months.

Hopkins stated that KCFD responds to over 140,000 calls annually, with approximately 20% as fire calls. Referencing a map created by the Northeast News — published on Feb. 12 — KCFD responded to 78 fire calls in a three-month period in the five zip codes associated with Historic Northeast — 50% of which were vacant properties.

The remaining 50% could be attributed to electrical issues in older homes and the use of space heaters, as well as cooking fires and unattended candles, Hopkins stated. 

Responding to a question, Hopkins explained that depending on the amount of damage, Dangerous Buildings (department) responds and tries to locate the building owner, to either repair or remove the structure. If the structure is deemed unstable, the City bids to have it removed. 

Columbus Park neighborhood resident Kate Barsotti asked about fires inside unhoused camps. Baker responded to that question stating that open fires in the city are not allowed and they will put them out, as well as try to educate those at the campsite regarding fire safety. WhileKCFD will extinguish fires located on rail line property, camps at those locations must be reported to the rail line and they will respond to address further issues.

Paseo West Neighborhood Association President Evie Craig inquired about fire barrels, which have been a concern in her neighborhood. Hopkins asserted that those are allowed — per city code — at certain temperatures, but they try to advise users to keep barrels away from buildings and other items.

Barsotti commented that due to city codes regarding vacant structures, or lack of certain codes, “it’s not working, affordable housing is burning down.”

Baker explained that KCFD can only investigate the cause of the fire and only enforce current codes. Residents should be vigilant in watching boarded up structures within their neighborhoods for loose boards, especially at the rear, that would indicate someone is entering the building.

Barsotti suggested the City needs a “new kind of ordinance” and Ingrid Burnett, Columbus Park resident and former Missouri House Legislator, asked “Can we (residents) help you?”

Hopkins explained that firefighters have additional challenges when responding to vacant structure fires. Boards have to be removed while the fire continues to grow — doubling in as little as 60 to 90 seconds — and crews may also have to enter to search for occupants.

Jimmy Fitzner, Indian Mound neighborhood President, suggested that a “vacancy tax” levied on building owners might spur quicker repairs and promote occupancy. “Don’t demo, rehabilitate” is the approach his neighborhood uses when dealing with owners of vacant properties.

Baker stated that he and other KCFD staff would be happy to attend additional meetings to discuss how the city council can draft ordinances to deal with issues moving forward.

As the meeting drew to a close, Hopkins stated that KCFD responds to 150 to 200 vacant structure fires per year, year round, though cold temperatures will increase the number of calls on a daily basis.

“We stand behind your efforts (to reduce structure fires). We’re here to serve, we’re here to help,” Hopkins said.

The Northeast Chamber of Commerce hosts its Tasty Topic Talk luncheon every month, on the last Tuesday, beginning at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is catered by local restaurants; The program is available without a lunch purchase.


 For future topics and luncheon locations, visit nekcchamber.com.