UPDATE: Smoking Materials Caused Two-Alarm Fire That Displaced Several at Salina Apartments
Firefighters battled a two-alarm apartment fire Wednesday afternoon at The Ridge Apartments that displaced several residents but resulted in no injuries.
The Salina Fire Department responded to 2363 Chapel Ridge at approximately 3:00 p.m. on January 14th, 2026, after receiving reports of fire and smoke coming from a two-story apartment building. Crews arrived to find heavy fire and smoke extending from the front of the structure into the soffit, with flames already reaching the attic and breaking through the roof.
Firefighters immediately began suppression operations and searched the affected units for occupants. The on-duty Battalion Chief called for a second alarm due to the intensity of the fire and potential life safety concerns.
Crews brought the fire under control within approximately 30 minutes and remained on scene for an extended period to extinguish hot spots and check for fire extension into neighboring units.
All occupants safely evacuated the building before firefighters arrived. While several residents were displaced by the fire, no injuries were reported.
Fire investigators have ruled the cause accidental, likely due to the careless discarding of smoking materials near the front of the building.
The Salina Police Department, Evergy, and the Salvation Army assisted at the scene. The fire department thanked partner agencies and the public for their cooperation during the incident.
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Update: Officials say there is no known cause of the fire at this time. Multiple apartment units have been deemed uninhabitable as a result of the fire. Authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
BREAKING: A fire has been reported at The Ridge of Salina, formerly known as Chapel Ridge Apartments, at 2363 Chapel Ridge Place.
The Salina Fire Department is currently on the scene and actively responding.
At this time, there is no information available on how the fire started or whether there are any injuries. Heavy smoke has been reported in the area.
Residents and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible to allow emergency crews to work safely.
This is a developing situation. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.