Hays Fire Department

At 2:06 p.m. Wednesday, the city of Hays Fire Department, assisted by the Hays Police Department and Ellis County EMS, responded to a report of a building fire at 2508 Vine.

According to HFD Chief Gary Brown, the fire occurred in the former Sears storefront at the Vine Street shopping plaza.

On arrival, firefighters found an electrical fire in a ceiling light fixture in a commercial building. The fire was out on their arrival. The occupants discovered the fire, called 911 and then shut off the electrical power to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, the fire was confined to the light fixture and had not yet spread to other combustibles.

Nineteen firefighters staffing four fire trucks responded.

The HFD reminded residents it is best to call 911 first and then attempt to fight the fire. Have firefighters on the way in case first-aid firefighting efforts are not successful. First-aid firefighting should only be attempted if the fire is small and the fire will not cut off your escape if it grows.