Mall fire shuts down 169 Highway in Smithville, police say

SMITHVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) -- 169 Highway was closed in both directions at Main Street in Smithville for several hours Monday due to a large structure fire.

The Smithville Area Fire Protection District responded to a fire around 2 p.m. in the Westlake Plaza Building.

The caller reported that there had been a fire in the kitchen of one of the restaurants located in the building, but that the fire was out.

The first units arrived on scene within minutes of the call and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof of the building.

The fire chief and deputy chief cleared everyone from the building . At that time, ceilings were already collapsing in on two of the restaurants.

The fire, which engulfed a small strip mall with Pizza Shoppe, La Fuente, H&R Block, Westlake Chinese Restaurant and more, was reported earlier Monday afternoon.

Crews are on scene battling the blaze and said the highway will be shut down for an extended period of time.

The power has also been turned off in the area and no injuries were reported in the fire.

The building and its contents were considered a total loss.

Several surrounding departments also assisted with the incident:

• Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District
• Central Platte Fire Protection District
• Kansas City Fire Department
• Edgerton Trimble Fire Protection District
• Northland Regional Ambulance
• Smithville Police Department
• Clay County, Missouri Sheriff

The fire department said the building is private property; however, there is a lot fo debris around the area that presents hazards.