HUTCHINSON, Kan. – One person has died as a result of an early morning fire in Hutchinson.

The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Jason Conrad from Tucson, Arizona. He was the only occupant in the apartment at the time of the fire.

It was around 2:40 a.m. Saturday morning when Hutchinson Fire crews responded to the 1000 block of North Poplar for a report of a shed fire. Initial arriving units found smoke and fire venting from a window on a small apartment. Fire attack procedures were initiated. While entering the structure, crews found Conrad. He was removed from the structure and pronounced dead by Reno County EMS.

The fire was controlled in 20 minutes.

Crews remained on scene for about 3 hours and 50 minutes performing overhaul and investigation operations.

The fire is still under investigation. Damage is estimated at $40,000.

Hutchinson Fire responded with seven units with assistance from Reno County EMS and Hutchinson Police.