Video and story courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Aug. 6, 2024, the Hutchinson Fire Department (HFD) responded to 2404 E. 4th Ave. for the report of a commercial building fire.
During the response, dispatch advised bystanders were reporting large amounts of smoke and fire. Crews were able to see a large glow and smoke plume while leaving the station.
The first-arriving crew found heavy fire and initiated defensive fire operations. The assignment was immediately upgraded to request mutual aid from multiple agencies. Firefighters encountered numerous hazards while fighting the fire that included down charged power lines, numerous explosions and high heat.
Due to the extensive heat, crews were presented with additional building fires to the surrounding structures that required attention to minimize surrounding structure damage.
HFD implemented rigorous on-scene rehabilitation procedures to ensure all members were staying hydrated, checked their vital signs and were able to continue fire suppression efforts. Due to the heat and environmental conditions, two firefighters were hospitalized. They have since been released and cleared for duty.
During the fire, HFD was flowing approximately 7,000 gallons of water per minute. The fire required the use of 10 engines and two ladder trucks to sustain suppression efforts. The fire took three hours to bring under control, concluded with three hours of investigation by HFD, HPD, the Reno County Sheriff, and the State Fire Marshal. The fire is still under investigation pending further interviews. It is currently undetermined when the cause of the fire will be released. HFD will send an update if a cause is determined.
The Hutchinson Fire Department would like to thank the following for their assistance with this incident:
Reno County Emergency Communications
Reno County Emergency Management
Buhler Fire Department
South Hutchinson Fire Department
Pretty Prairie Fire Department
Fire District #3
Fire District #8
Newton Fire Department
McPherson Fire Department
Colwich Fire Department
Hutchinson Police Department
Reno County EMS
Reno County Sherrif’s Office
State Fire Marshal’s Office
Evergy
Kansas Gas
Bridgman Oil
City of Hutchinson Public Works
City of Hutchinson Water Department
City of Hutchinson Fleet Maintenance
City of Hutchinson Public Communications
City of Hutchinson IT
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 60 people at the time of the fire.
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.