Firefighters battle Hiawatha blaze Saturday
Numerous firefighters, Saturday evening, battle a blaze just north of Hiawatha's Oregon Street (Credit: Seth Tollefson/MSC News)
(KNZA)--An early Saturday evening large structure fire in Hiawatha sent numerous fire crews, from throughout the local area, rushing to the scene.
The fire was reported shortly after 5:00, just north of Oregon Street on North 9th Street.
The Hiawatha Fire Department, in a social media post, said there was heavy smoke and large flames coming from the structure, located north of the old HD Repair facility, when firefighters arrived.
Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the fire was contained by about 6:15 and firefighters remained on the scene until 10:30.
He said Brown County Emergency Management made the decision to evacuate homes in the area for cautionary reasons due to the level of heavy smoke. Residents were allowed to return by 8:00.
Sheldon said there was about 150 gallons of oil in the building, which was used for heating and mechanical purposes.
The building is owned by J and B Contractors and was being leased by HD Repair for generator repair. The building was considered a total loss.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Sheldon said an investigator from the State Fire Marshal's Office was on scene Monday morning.
Fire crews from Robinson, Horton, Everest, Iowa Tribe, Powhattan, Kickapoo Tribe, Fairview and Morrill assisted.
Sheldon thanked the fire departments for their assistance. In addition, he thanked community members who helped bring water and Gatorade to the firefighters.
He said he was out of town when the call first came in and gave credit to his assistants for taking command during the large structure fire.
" The HFD 1st assistant Ryan Shockley and 2nd assistant Tristan Dickinson done a great job with on scene comand and organization of incoming responding fire departments, " Chief Sheldon said. " It is truly a blessing to live in the community we do. The overwhelming support from area fire departments, businesses and community members are the foundation and support of this area"
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
LATEST STORIES
Nemaha NRD Board appoints new Director
Johnson-Brock Board approves personnel changes
KS Omnibus Budget signed; funds mental health, economy, others
Pawnee City School to move forward with strategic planning
Falls City High School parking lot project approved
Annual fire hydrant flushing underway in Falls City
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
Plastic ducks set to race in Atchison Saturday