MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
One person was found deceased following a structure fire early Monday morning in Hutchinson, according to the Hutchinson Fire Department.
Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 3:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, to a reported structure fire in the area of 56th Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found a small, approximately 700-square-foot home fully involved with fire and suffering a roof collapse.
Due to the extent of the fire, crews initiated a defensive fire attack. The blaze was brought under control at approximately 4:15 a.m.
During firefighting operations, responders determined there was a possibility that an occupant was still inside the home. After the fire was extinguished and crews removed debris and roof materials, one individual was located inside the structure and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Fire officials say the investigation indicates the fire may have started around 1 a.m. A neighboring home’s camera system reportedly showed a glow in the area at that time. The fire went unnoticed for approximately two and a half hours before the Hutchinson Fire Department was notified.
Because of the prolonged burn time and extensive destruction to the home and its contents, investigators have ruled the cause of the fire undetermined.