Fire crews fight two-alarm fire at White Lakes Center in Topeka
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) - The Topeka Fire Department continued their defensive battle in freezing rain Tuesday morning against a fire at White Lakes Center that began around 6:45 a.m.
When firefighters arrived massive flames were coming from the roof of the old section of the mall.
The fire chief on site told KSNT they can not go into the old part of the mall, it was not safe for firefighters because of the age and deteriorating structure.
Fire crews had responded to White Lakes Center at SW 37th Street and SW Topeka Blvd. for a report of smoke coming from one of the buildings.
Shawnee County fire dispatch confirmed firefighters were fighting an active fire at the abandoned mall.
White Lakes Center is appraised at $811,000, and owned by Topeka businessman Kent Lindemuth.
The mall property takes up 21 acres, or 16 football fields.
Multiple crews are on scene.
Firefighters used ladder trucks to fight the fire from above.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we get more information.