Overview
- The blaze that swept the Smithville Plaza strip mall Monday left five businesses in ruins and closed U.S. 169 during hours of firefighting.
- Fire officials say it began as a kitchen fire in the Chinese restaurant, with an origin-and-cause investigation now pending.
- Crews already nearby called in more help, entered from the front and back, and led an employee out safely as parts of the ceiling fell.
- Strong gusts funneled through open doors and a failed nearby hydrant hobbled the water supply, which let flames push through the roof.
- Ladder trucks from Smithville and Kansas City poured water onto the structure, and the local chamber is lining up aid as owners await insurance decisions.