CAPTION: The scene of a fire Friday morning at the 200 Block of West 15th Ave. CREDIT HFD
The Hutchinson Fire Department received a call for a possible structure fire in the 200 Block of West 15th Avenue in Hutchinson at 3:48 a.m. Friday.
While en route, dispatch advised HFD of possible victims inside the structure. Upon arrival, the crew found a 1 ½ story residential structure that was fully involved with multiple exposures that consisted of residential homes. Crews completed Vent Enter Search operations in the survivable space that was left. Crews then quickly initiated a defensive attack on the structure involved and started exposure protection on the two residential structures.
The two residential exposures sustained moderate damage and were saved. The fire was considered controlled 1.5 hours after arrival. One victim was located inside the structure. HFD Structural Collapse personnel brought in special equipment to shore up a load-bearing wall and secure a chimney before personnel were allowed into the structure to remove the victim and complete the extinguishment. Hutchinson Public Works Department brought in a loader to assist in the removal of debris to assist in the process of victim removal.
The initial structure is a complete loss. The 2 residential exposures were damaged but remain habitable. The initial structure was occupied by 1 adult and 1 dog, both deceased. The 2 exposures were also occupied at the time of the fire. No firefighter injuries were reported.
The HFD fire investigator and the State Fire Marshal are currently investigating to determine the cause and origin. A medical examiner from Wichita has also been brought in to assist. Crews will remain on scene for multiple hours.
HFD asks residents to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.
