8 displaced in early morning Hutchinson apartment fire

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Eight people were displaced early Tuesday, Dec. 16, after a fire tore through a multi-family residence on East 3rd Avenue, officials said.

The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the 700 block of East 3rd Avenue at 3:14 a.m. after receiving reports of a structure fire, according to Division Chief of Operations Jeremy Unruh.

First responders arrived to find a 2.5-story, balloon-frame building with fire and smoke visible from the exterior. Crews launched an immediate fire attack while evacuating all occupants from the structure.

Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. A primary search of the building confirmed all residents had safely exited.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The fire caused moderate damage to two apartments and smoke damage to others. The building's gas and electric service were shut off, rendering it uninhabitable.

The American Red Cross responded to the scene and provided assistance to the eight displaced residents and five dogs.

Fire officials determined the cause was accidental and electrical in nature. Investigators found nails and screws had been driven through exterior aluminum siding into the home's electrical lines.

The Hutchinson Fire Department thanked Reno County Emergency Communications, Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Evergy and Kansas Gas for their assistance.