Fire Marshall Todd Kerkhoff said the investigation into the explosion that ripped through a Prairie Village home Sunday has narrowed to the natural gas piping and valve running to a fireplace on the exterior of the house.
The scene is still cordoned off as investigators wait to have a final test conducted to determine precisely where the leak originated. Kerkhoff said the department is scheduled to perform that test Thursday.
The ignition source came from a fire the family had going in the exterior fireplace at the time of the explosion, which tore through the back of the house, leaving broken glass and rubble strewn through the living room and kitchen area.
Prairie Village Mayor Ron Shaffer, who lives near the scene of the explosion, said the shock waves were detectable a few blocks away.
“You could feel it, and then hear the broken glass tinkling down,” Shaffer said. “It was serious stuff.”
The family who lives in the home is staying with relatives, Kerkhoff said.