(Courtesy Photo)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Just after 3 a-m, Thursday morning, Hutchinson Fireman responded to the area of K-61 and Lorraine for a reported brush fire. Prior to arrival, the calling party called back and advised it was a structure fire.

When units arrived, they found a fully involved two story house and also a second fire in a mobile home 1/8 mile east of the house that was fully involved as well. Both houses were vacant and have been for some time. The fire was near the 2400 block of South Lorraine.

The fire in the two story house was controlled in 30 minutes and the fire in the mobile home was allowed to burn. Fire officials said that access to the mobile home was difficult because it was surrounded by a plowed field and set back off the road. The fire was involved far enough that that they decided to allow it to burn because there was no threat of any extension. Units and investigators were still on the scene Thursday. Both structures are considered a total loss.

Investigators have now ruled both fires as arson. Investigators are continuing to follow up with interviews, but no arrest have been made. If anyone has information pertaining to either fire please call the Hutchinson Fire Department at 620-694-2871 or Reno County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or 620-694-2666.