CAPTION: Firefighters and police officers address the fire that occurred at 2404 East 4th Ave. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE
The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to 2404 E 4th Avenue for the report of a commercial building fire Tuesday, August 6.
The City of Hutchinson issued a press release Thursday morning dealing the process and results of the fire, which took place at a recycled mattress business near 4th Avenue and Halstead St.
During the response, dispatch advised bystanders were reporting large amounts of smoke and fire. Crews were able to see a large glow and smoke plumb while leaving the station. The first arriving crew found heavy fire and initiated defensive fire operations.
Following the first crew’s arrival, the assignment was immediately upgraded to request mutual aid from multiple agencies. Firefighters encountered numerous hazards while fighting the fire including down-charged power lines, numerous explosions and high heat.
The extensive heat caused crews to face additional building fires in the surrounding structures, which required their attention to minimize damage.
HFD implemented on-scene rehabilitation procedures to ensure all members were staying hydrated, checked their vital signs, and were able to continue fire suppression efforts. Two firefighters were hospitalized due to the excessive heat. They have since been released and cleared for duty.
HFD was flowing approximately 7,000 gallons of water per minute throughout the fire. The fire required the use of 10 engines and two ladder trucks to sustain suppression efforts.
The fire took three (3) hours to bring under control, concluded with three (3) hours of investigation by HFD, HPD, Reno County Sherriff, and the State Fire Marshal. The fire continues to be under investigation pending further interviews. It is currently undetermined when the cause of the fire will be released. HFD will notify if a cause is determined.
HFD saw the assistance of the Buhler, South Hutchinson, Newton, McPherson and Colwich Fire Departments. Fire District #3, Fire District #8, Reno County Emergency Communications and Reno County Emergency Management also provided assistance in the matter.
The Hutchinson Police Department and several departments of the City of Hutchinson were also active in managing the fire.
“In addition, we would also like to send a big Thank You to Gambino’s for donating food for all on-scene personnel, which was sixty (60) people at the time of the fire,” the press release wrote. “We would also like to thank Evergy for the use of the F500 Encapsulator Foam Trailer that Colwich brought. This assisted us in the extinguishment of the large fuel load.”
