SHAWNEE COUNTY— Fire investigators say a fire that destroyed a house near Topeka began when fireworks thrown in the trash reignited.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office says both residents inside the home just south of Topeka city limits escaped the early Thursday fire after being awakened by smoke detectors. Firefighters rescued a dog and cat inside the home.

Firefighters responded to the fire near Lake Sherwood early Thursday.

The fire has been ruled accidental.

Fire investigator Tony Celeste says the fireworks were put in a trash bin near the house after they were shot off Wednesday evening.

He says the blaze damaged two vehicles.

In addition, just after 10:30 p.m., Wednesday fire crews responded to a structure fire located at 3136 SW Arrowhead Road, according to Division Chief, Fire Marshal Michael Martin.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a two story wooden frame residential structure with heavy flames coming from the back side. 

Two occupants of the structures were able to self-evacuate prior firefighter’s arrival. 

A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, more likely than not associated with fireworks. The estimated dollar loss – $247,920.00; $147,920.00 structural loss and $100,000.00 contents loss, according to Martin. Working smoke detectors were located within the residence.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.