Improper burning causes fire, evacuation of hotel in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Hampton Inn at 1401 1/2 E. 11th Ave. in Hutchinson was evacuated Friday after improper burning caused a fire.

A news release from the Hutchinson Fire Department said at 12:17 p.m., firefighters were called to the report of a commercial building fire at the hotel. Crews arrived and found smoke coming from the east side of the building.

When firefighters entered the hotel, they were met with smoke throughout the first floor. Staff and occupants had already self-evacuated when the fire alarm activated. Firefighters searched all the floors to ensure everyone exited safely.

Firefighters found a smoldering fire in an exterior wall on the first floor that had progressed upward, but did not affect the floors above. They extinguished the fire from both inside and outside of the hotel.

Damage was contained to two first-floor hotel rooms with heat, smoke and water damage throughout the first floor. Investigators on the scene determined that improper burning of weeds for vegetation control caused the fire to extend into the building.

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