Update: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26

Hays Fire Department

At 3:26 p.m. Monday,  Feb. 25, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 2670 E. Ninth St.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke was found coming from a metal storage building.

Fire crews made entry into the building and found multiple vehicles inside the structure, with one being on fire.

Firefighters used two fire attack lines to extinguish the fire and keep the fire to the vehicle of origin.

The building and other vehicles inside suffered extensive smoke damage.

The fire was reported out at 4:03 p.m. and under control at 4:13 p.m. at which times fire crews were starting to be released from the scene.

Midwest Energy was contacted to shut off utilities to the building. Fire crews remained on scene until 6:05 p.m. to assist the Ellis County Sheriff’s office with the fire investigation.

The employees of the business did a great job to keep the building closed. Keeping the doors shut slowed fire growth and stopped fire spread to the building and other vehicles inside.

Thirty-three firefighters from the Ellis County Fire Department (Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and Munjor) responded to assist. The fire was located within the automatic aid program area and the Hays Fire Department responded with an additional seven firefighters.

The ECFD was also assisted by the Ellis County EMS, Sheriff’s deputies, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

By CRISTINA JANNEY

Hays Post

Firefighters are on scene at a fire in a commercial building at 2670 E. Ninth St.

According to scanner reports, everyone was able to escape the building.

Crews reported at least one vehicle on fire inside the building.

Crews were starting to be dismissed from the scene as of 4:30 p.m.

Watch the Hays Post for more information as it becomes available.