Man Escapes Multi Alarm Overland Park Fire, Dog Rescued

 A fire this afternoon in Overland Park townhouses was caused by flammables stored too close to a water heater. Investigators say the cause was obvious.The fire was confined to the basement of Sheridan Ridge Townhomes in the 8300 block of Farley. Clouds of heavy black smoke greeted first responders. Firefighters from Overland Park, Lenexa and Merriam were called to the scene because of the possibility the fire would spread. Jason Rhodes of the Overland Park Department said the  man who lived in the  apartment that burned was outside when first crews arrived. Rhodes said the man told them his dog was still inside and firefighters found it under a bed in a smoke-filled room. Dog and owner are back together, and the dog had no serious injuries.