Fires wreak havoc on Hutch
May 20, 2025
Hutchinson Fire Department and other first responders responded to a number of fires in the past week that caused a lot of damage, injuries and in one case death.
Shortly after 8 a.m. on May 20, the HFD was alerted to a commercial structure fire located at 4th and Bonebrake. The Hutchinson Police Department had already arrived on scene and reported observing smoke. Initial fire units discovered that one of eight storage facilities each measuring 30’ by 220’ was filled with smoke and fire Crews were required to forcibly enter several compartments of the storage unit cutting numerous locks and doors.
While extinguishing the flames, crews unfortunately discovered one fatality in a unit where the individual appeared to be residing. HFD Fire Marshal Michael Cain is currently investigating the fire's cause. Concurrently the Reno County Coroner's medical investigator is examining the cause of death and working to identify the deceased. Notifications to the deceased family will be made following a positive identification.
The property owner has been informed and will notify the affected storage unit tenants. Crews remained on site for several hours. The building sustained moderate damage to four units and 75% of the remaining units suffered smoke damage. No firefighter injuries have been reported.
Shortly after the Hutchinson Fire Department also responded to the 200 block of Countryside Drive for smoke in a building at 11:06 a.m. on May 20. Upon arrival, fire crews found a single-family residential structure with no signs of smoke or fire. Crews entered the home and found light smoke and the smell of electrical. An overheated outlet was found in the kitchen. Crews traced the electrical lines into the walls and the attic. The lines in the attic had overheated and caused a small smoldering fire. The electrical lines were damaged all the way through the attic and to the electrical box.
Minimal damage was done to the home. Evergy disconnected electricity to the home. No injuries were reported.
HFD also responded to the 800 block of Cole Street for a structure fire at 4 p.m. on May 18. Upon arrival crews found smoke billowing from the small residential structure. Upon entry into the home they found a fire in the attic which they extinguished after navigating several hidden spaces. The fire was contained to the attic with the smoke damage on the interior living space. The two occupants in the home were outside the residence on arrival and no injuries were reported.
At 1:21 a.m. on May 16 fire crews were dispatched to the 1400 block of North Monroe for a possible structure fire. First on scene found a small single-story residential structure with heavy fire from the front porch extending into the structure and into the attic space.
Crews started an aggressive fire attack extinguishing the fire on the porch before moving inside to complete extinguishment of the entire structure. Search crews were able to locate two cats in the home and remove them to safety. The occupants of the home had self-evacuated, with one being evaluated by EMS for smoke inhalation and heat exposure. One firefighter sustained an injury to his hand and was transported to a non-emergency hospital for evaluation.
The home had working smoke detectors at the time of the fire and the fire appears to have started on the exterior of the home. The cause of the fire is unknown.
At 2:38 a.m. on May 13 Hutchinson fire crews were dispatched to the area of the landfill for a possible outside fire. Upon arrival, crews confirmed a fire in the “pit” and began coordinating extinguishment with landfill personnel.
The initial area involved was roughly 200’ by 300’ in size. Multiple bulldozers and front end loaders were utilized to scrape the burning material off the pit and separate so it could be smothered and extinguished.
HFD would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that with the increase in lithium ion batteries in our households, they need to be disposed of properly. Please locate your closest lithium ion battery recycling drop off location and dispose of them there instead of your household waste container.
In multiple social media posts, The Hutchinson Fire Department thanked a number of organizations with their assistance, to include: Evergy, Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Reno County Coroner's Office, Hutchinson Reno-County Emergency Communications, Hutchinson Public Works, Kansas Gas Service, Red Cross, 1800 Boardup and Reno County Landfill personnel.
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