Self-Extinguishing Fire in Kansas Claims Man, 71
Source Topeka Capital-Journal (Kansas)
The Topeka Fire Department identified the man who died Sunday morning in a house fire as Wendell L. Goodman, 71, of Topeka.
Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at 1624 S.E. 37th Terrace.
The first firefighters on scene reporting nothing visible.
Further investigation by crews revealed that a fire had occurred within the residence but had self-extinguished.
The investigation revealed the occupant of the home had died in the fire, and as such was listed as a fire fatality.
This was Topeka's first fire fatality of 2012, according to The Topeka Capital-Journal's records. Lucinia "Lucy" Tolliver died as a result of a Jan. 30 natural gas explosion at her southwest Topeka home.
Topeka had five fire-related fatalities in 2011, including four men and one woman.
The cause of Sunday's fire is being classified as undetermined and most likely was accidental, said Topeka fire investigator James Vollintine.
The estimated dollar loss was $50,000, including $35,000 to the structure and $15,000 to the contents.
Goodman owned the house, according to the Shawnee County Appraiser's Office.
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