(photo courtesy of Chad Urbanek)
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Fire crews were sent to a house fire this evening in the 300 block of West 6th. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire venting from the second floor roof and windows. Crews made an attempt to enter the structure, but found it to be to hot at the top of the stairs. Crews were then removed from the interior and the fire was fought from the outside until conditions allowed for reentry and allowed them to extinguish the fire.
It was contained in about 45 minutes with units remaining on scene for three and half hours for investigation and overhaul of the fire floor. Preliminary damage is estimated at $30,000.
Two occupants were home at the time of the fire. One occupant had minor injuries and refused medical care. One firefighter had minor injuries from a fall and also refused medical care.
The cause of the fire has been determined as accidental and being started by a space heater. Investigation cannot rule out other electrical issues.
Then at 7:37 p.m., fire units responded to the 500 block of East 3rd for a structure fire. When they arrived there, they found a fire had occurred outside the residence around the electrical panel. The resident had extinguished most of the fire prior to arrival. Westar was called. No was injured and damage was estimated around $500.
A third call then came in at 7:54 p.m. Units responded to the 800 block of East 11th for a structure fire. Upon arrival, residents met units outside stating they had a fire on the stove that they thought was extinguished. Units found a few small hot spots and the house filled with smoke.
Damage was contained to the kitchen, including the stove, cabinets, and ceiling areas. No one was injured in the fire and damage estimated around $15,000. A cooking fire appears to be the cause.