RENO COUNTY —The Reno County Coroner’s Office has informed the Hutchinson Fire Department of the identity of the man who died the commercial fire that occurred Tuesday morning, according to a media release from the Hutchison Fire Department.
The victim has been identified as Bret Fallis, a resident of Hutchinson. Firefighters discovered Mr. Fallis in one of the impacted storage units when they responded to the alarm. The exact cause of death has not been released at this time.
The Hutchinson Fire Department has completed its investigation into the fire's origins. The fire originated in the unit where Mr. Fallis was present. After investigation, the fire’s cause was determined to be improper discard of smoking materials igniting combustible materials in the storage unit.
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RENO COUNTY — One person died following a fire at the Store'N Go storage facility near 4th Avenue and Bonebrake Street in Hutchinson.
Just after 8a.m. Tuesday, crews were dispatched after the Hutchinson Police Department, already on scene, reported visible smoke from the facility, according to a media release.
Upon arrival, firefighters found one of eight 30-by-220-foot storage buildings filled with smoke. Crews forced entry into multiple units, cutting locks and doors, and launched an aggressive attack on four units actively burning.
While extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered one deceased individual inside a unit that appeared to be used as a residence. The victim’s identity has not yet been confirmed. The Reno County Coroner’s Medical Investigator is working to determine the cause of death and make a positive identification.
The fire caused moderate damage to four units, with smoke damage affecting approximately 75% of the remaining compartments. No injuries to firefighters were reported. Crews are expected to remain on scene for several hours.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Department’s Fire Marshal.