An early morning fire in Hays destroyed a carport and significantly damaged a house.

The Hays Fire Department, Hays police and Ellis County EMS were called to a garage fire at 703 East 6th Street at 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, July 1.

On arrival, responders found the carport on fire, according to Fire Chief Gary Brown. The blaze had spread to the adjacent house and two vehicles.

Police officers evacuated the house occupants. Firefighters operated two hose lines to bring the fire under control. Paramedics checked the occupants, who were not injured.

Five fire trucks and seventeen firefighters responded.

The carport was totally destroyed. The house suffered significant damage and both vehicles had moderate damage. Firefighters boarded-up and secured the house to protect the property from further damage.

An investigation by members of the Hays Fire Department and Hays Police Department determined the fire most probably originated in the carport from an accidental but undetermined cause.

The last firefighters left the scene at 4:47 AM. A fire crew periodically checked the building afterward to prevent rekindle damage.

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