RENO COUNTY— Investigators say the cause of the apartment house fire in Hutchinson on Monday night was a space heater too close to combustibles, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.
The heater caught a blanket on fire. The fire spread to the rest of the structure.
The Hutchinson Fire Department reminds the public that space heaters should be a minimum of three feet away from anything combustible. Space heaters should also be plugged directly into a wall outlet and not into an extension cord. Space heaters should never be left on when residents are sleeping. Also, be sure to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working properly.
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RENO COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Hutchinson.
Just after 7 p.m. Monday, crews responded to 628 North Monroe in Hutchinson, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the from the basement extending to the attic of the building that is divided into four apartments.
Fire rapidly extended in the walls and forced fire crews into a defensive mode. Six fire engines and and two truck companies finally brought the fire under control.
Five individuals and two dogs are displaced due to the extensive fire, heat and smoke damage. There were no injuries reported, according to Beer.