HUTCHINSON — Around 4:11 a.m. Friday, Hutchinson Fire Department crews responded to 4310 N. Monroe to the Crossroads Church for a structure fire.

Initial reports were light smoke in the building with no flames visible. When units arrived, they found light smoke in the sanctuary, then were able to locate a hot spot in the ceiling near the altar with a thermal imaging camera. Crews made access to the attic, but were hindered by tight spaces and firewalls in locating the seat of the fire. The ceiling height in the sanctuary was 20 feet. After some time, crews were able to get a hose line on the fire and extinguish it. It took approximately 35 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Crews pulled ceilings in the sanctuary and cut a hole in the roof to finish extinguishing the fire. Crews were on the scene for four hours.

Damage is estimated at $250,000 with extensive damage to the roof structure in the sanctuary. The fire has been ruled electrical in nature.

No one was injured in the fire with the building not occupied at the time.

A church member had come to the church due to high water, found the smoke, and called the fire department.

Hutchinson Fire Department responded six units on the initial alarm, with four additional units responding on additional alarms.

Callback crews were called in to staff reserve units to cover the city.

The attic structure had firewalls built, which held the fire in check, and did not allow it to spread throughout the structure.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire crews responded to a fire at Crossroads Christian Church early Friday.

The intersection of 43rd and Monroe was closed due to the fire apparatus and fire personnel working the blaze, according to police.

Please avoid this area and plan accordingly for your morning commute.
Check Hutch Post for additional details as they become available.

(Photos courtesy of the Hutchinson Fire Department)