Furnace Likely Cause of Olathe House Fire

OLATHE, Kan. — An Olathe family lost their home following a blaze on Monday afternoon.

The fire destroyed the home near South Sheridan and West Dennis streets. The homeowners were not in the house at the time of the blaze, but rescuers managed to save the couple’s dog, a three-year-old Lab mix named Jay-Jay.

“I stepped in and coaxed the dog to me,” Olathe Police Officer Travis Shoemaker said. “I wasn’t sure if it would be mean or not. I just kicked in the door and he came right to me.”

The couple’s cat did not survive.

The Olathe Fire Department helped the couple with temporary housing for the night. Authorities believe that a faulty furnace may have sparked the fire.