ALTAMONT — The owner of a motorcycle repair shop in Altamont died in a fire in his business Thursday night.
Edward Escolas, 61, was found deceased in the building in the 500 block of South Huston. His business occupied two addresses, 518 and 520 S. Huston, according to Altamont Police Chief Michael Shields.
The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Altamont police and fire departments are investigating; Shields said the fire does not appear at this time to be suspicious. But he said the investigation is still underway.
The fire call came in at 10:01 p.m. Thursday reporting a structure fire downtown. The two addresses became fully engulfed in flames as departments arrived. Because of the fire intensity, the Altamont Fire Department sought mutual aid. Units responded from Parsons, Edna, Bartlett, Labette No. 9 Fire District, Mound Valley, Osage Township, Oswego, Cherryvale, Neosho Township and Coffeyville. The Labette County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with traffic control. Parsons brought its aerial truck and two pumpers. Other departments brought tanker trucks and fire personnel.
Shields said because of Escolas’ death in a commercial building, Altamont requested the fire marshal and KBI.
Shields said most of the damage appeared to be limited to the buildings occupied by Escolas. Neighboring buildings, one used for storage on the north and the Wildcat Extension District Offi ce on the south, may have sustained smoke and water damage.
Electricity was off on Friday for a portion of that block. The Wildcat District office announced it would be closed for now.
In a statement, the Wildcat District said: “The office is still standing, however, we do not know the extent of damage at this time. We want you to know that our staff is safe. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to us.”
Shields said responders moved three motorcycles that were parked in front of the business.
