Hays Fire Department
On June 8 at approximately 6:35 p.m. Hays Fire Department responded to a report of a possible fire with smoke in a building located at 2918 Vine Street, AMC Theaters. A HVAC roof top unit had a mechanical issue with the blower motor and caused one of the theaters to start filling up with smoke.
Staff evacuated the building and activated the fire alarm system. Hays Fire Department arrived and confirmed there was no fire, and the HVAC unit was isolated. A fire investigation confirmed the HVAC unit was the cause of the smoke. No injuries were reported.
On June 9 at approximately 12:48 a.m. Hays Fire Department responded to an active fire alarm at FHSU Gross Memorial Coliseum located at 1435 Highway 183 Alt. Once Hays Fire Department arrived on scene smoke was found in the coliseum and water coming from a room. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire. Crews found an active fire in a custodial room and quickly extinguished the fire. The heat from the fire activated one fire sprinkler head which kept the fire from spreading. Crews stayed on scene for several hours clearing the smoke. A fire investigation was conducted and found that a lithium-ion battery that was connected to a battery-operated appliance started the fire. No injuries were reported.
The cause of both incidents is ruled accidental.
The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department, and FHSU Campus Police Department for their assistance.
The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program.