MCPHERSON, Kan. —A firefighter is recovering from injuries while fighting a fire on Thursday.
Shortly before 4 p.m., McPherson Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at a commercial building in the 1000 block of West Kansas Avenue in McPherson, according to a media release.
First responding crews found smoke coming from building. Fire crews made entry and found the engine compartment on a forklift on fire.
The sprinkler system in the building had activated and the fire was contained to the forklift. While searching for the fire within the building, two firefighters fell into a partially uncovered pit used for automotive repairs.
One of the firefighters was assisted from the building and was transported by McPherson EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of a lower leg injury. The firefighter was treated and released but will need follow-up care for the injury.
After extinguishing the fire, the smoke was cleared from the building. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist with the fire investigation.