Fatal house fire claims life in Hutchinson

Update:

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A person died in an early morning house fire Monday, Dec. 15, on 56th Street, according to the Hutchinson Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to the scene at 3:30 a.m. and found a 700-square-foot home fully engulfed in flames with the roof collapsed. Crews launched a defensive attack and brought the blaze under control by 4:15 a.m.

During firefighting operations, crews determined someone might still be inside the home. After extinguishing the fire and removing roof materials and debris, they discovered the occupant deceased.

Investigators believe the fire started around 1 a.m. A neighbor's security camera captured a glow in the area at that time. The fire burned unnoticed for approximately 2.5 hours before the fire department was notified.

Due to the extended burn time and extensive destruction to the home and its contents, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, according to Division Chief of Operations Jeremy Unruh.

The victim's identity has not been released.