HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A faulty space heater is being blamed for a Wednesday afternoon fire that destroyed a home in southwest Hutchinson.
Hutchinson Fire Division Chief of Operations Jeremy Unruh said crews were about 4:30 p.m. to the 200 block of West Avenue B where the first arriving crews found heavy smoke and fire showing from the first and second floors of the 2 ½ story multi-family residence.
As firefighters attempted an aggressive interior attack, they encountered excessive storage conditions and high heat but were able to find a large area of fire and started extinguishment.
As more crews arrived, the fire escalated and entered the attic, at which time all crews were pulled from the structure and a defensive attack ensued. It took about an hour and half to bring it under control.
The fire displaced seven people, four of whom were home at the time of the fire. All four were checked out by Reno County EMS, one of whom had minor medical concerns. The Red Cross is providing assistance to the residents. There were also multiple dogs there.
Firefighters were working in wind chills of -8 during the fire, and many neighbors came forward with warm drinks for the firemen.
HFD reminds homeowners to make sure there is at least a three-foot clear area around operating space heaters, and that the electrical system of the home is capable of handling the power draw of them.
