CAPTION: The Hutchinson Fire Department was called to the report of a fire at the Hampton Inn, located right off K-61 and 11th Avenue. CREDIT HFD
The Hutchinson Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a commercial building fire at the Hampton Inn, 1401 ½ East 11th Avenue, Friday at 12:17 p.m.
Fire damage was contained to two first-floor hotel rooms with heat, smoke and water damage noted throughout the first floor.
Initial arriving crews found smoke coming from the east side of the building and upon making entry they were met with a moderate amount of smoke throughout the first floor, according to an official press release issued by the department.
Staff and occupants had self-evacuated when the fire alarm system activated, HFD crews conducted a search of all floors to ensure that all occupants had exited to safety. The fire crews found a smoldering fire in an exterior wall that had progressed upwards but did not affect the floors above.
On-scene crews worked from the exterior and interior to overhaul and expose any extensions and ensured the involved materials were extinguished.
Fire investigators on scene worked quickly to determine the cause of the fire and found that improper burning of weeds for vegetation control led to the extension of fire into the building.
“HFD would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance- Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications, Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Evergy and Kansas Gas,” the release said.
