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On resident who escaped the flames told The Kansas City Star that he was at home when he heard shouts to evacuate.
“I was laying down and heard somebody yell, ‘Everybody get out,’” Lee said. “I opened my door and there was smoke really bad.”
A smoke alarm sounded, he said, adding that he was choking as he fled outside to safety.
Mayor Sly James said he was praying for the firefighters.
“Tonight’s tragic loss is a reminder that Kansas City firefighters put their lives on the line for all of us every day,” James said in a statement. “Our condolences go out to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice today.”
