HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Firefighters responded to the 800 block of West 23rd Avenue for a structure fire Friday evening. When they arrived they found flames coming from the front room of the residence.
Acting Captain Aaron Walton and Fire Fighter Vincent Quentin were the initial fire attack crew. As they made their way into the room, the floor joist had burned out below them in part of the room and they fell through the floor. Once in the basement, they were able to radio their mayday, while still battling the fire that was in the basement as well. Other crews on the scene were able to rescue them without incident.
Walton and Quentin were treated by Reno County EMS on the scene and later transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, one was treated for neck pain and the other was seen for a hand injury. Both have been released from the hospital.
The fire itself was controlled in 20 minutes. Units were on scene for two and half hours. Damage is estimated at $40,000. Heavy damage was sustained to part of the floor in the front room, with moderate heat and smoke damage done throughout the residence.
The cause of the fire appears is still under investigation. The fire does appear to have started underneath the floor. The residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The owners called the fire in as they arrived home.
Hutchinson Fire initially responded 6 units, once the mayday was received a second alarm was called bringing two more units to the scene.