HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was a busy Friday morning for the Hutchinson Fire Department as two fires broke out simultaneously.
The first fire was called in around 6:24 a.m. at 1900 N. Monroe. The original call was for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, fire crews reported that a pile of leaves were on fire inside a garage with extension to the garage area. Crews were able to contain the fire quickly with limited damage. At 6:25 a.m., crews were dispatched to 550 E. Ave. D for a residential structure fire. The first-arriving engine reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the single-family residence.
Three occupants were able to escape the fire. Firefighters had to perform defensive operations due to horrific hoarder conditions within the home that hindered access. It took firefighters more than an hour to bring the fire under control. Crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent structures. Because of its condition, the structure is being torn down with the homeowner's consent.
No injuries were noted throughout the incident and Red Cross was notified to assist the occupants.
Fire investigators have determined the cause to be from a lightning strike on the Avenue D fire and continue to work the fire on Monroe.
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