Stove flue suspected of causing New Year’s day building fire

Jan. 08--Fire officials say the cause of a New Year's Day fire on South Main Street is undetermined, though an overheated flue on a wood stove is suspected.

The early morning fire at 909 S. Main St. resulted in the loss of the entire structure, valued at about $30,000. Some building contents were salvageable, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven R. Beer stated in a release. An abutting building to the north also suffered damage to a shared wall, but that building owner is awaiting estimates from insurers whether the wall can be replaced or if the building must be demolished.

The investigation team of Fire Marshall Tony Arpin and Fire Investigator Mike Cain worked closely with owners and insurance investigators, Beer stated.

"All indications lead to a wood-fired stove that was used to heat the building," Beer stated. "Investigators theory is that the chimney flue became overheated somewhere around the roof line. The origin of the fire was at the ceiling level around the heating flu. Extensive damage to that area and burned materials has made it difficult to confirm beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus it must be ruled undermined."

A New Year's Eve gathering was in the building the evening prior to the fire, with everyone departing by 3 a.m., officials previously reported. The fire was discovered about 6 a.m. The building had been used as a woodworking hobby shop.

Investigators spent two days on the scene, sifting debris and examining evidence, as well as interviewing witnesses and the building's owners.

Firefighters battled subzero temperatures for several hours bringing the fire under control, saving the buildings directly north and south of the central structure, which was built 1935.

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