Salina Post
The Salina Fire Department (SFD) responded to two separate commercial structure fires within only a few blocks of each other, during the early morning hours of May 18.
Fire #1
According to SFD, just after midnight on Monday, first responders were dispatched to the Bank of Tescott (600 S. Santa Fe) following reports of smoke coming from the roof of the building.
Upon arrival, there was no immediately visible fire, however fire crews observed smoke coming from the roof and eaves of the structure.
Firefighters began investigating and determined the fire was located within the attic space.
Due to limited access to the attic, crews ultimately had to open the roof from the exterior to reach the seat of the fire.
Once access was gained, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported.
Fire #2
Then at 01:30 a.m., while fire crews were still operating at the Bank of Tescott fire, SFD received reports of a second fire at Bachofer Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. on 672 S. 9th Street.
Part of the crew operating on the Bank of Tescott incident were reassigned to respond to the second fire.
Upon arrival, fire crews found a working fire on the roof of the business Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly.
Damage at this location was primarily limited to the roof with some extension of fire to the interior of the building, as well as water damage extending into the interior of the building.
The cause of both fires is being attributed to lightning strikes associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall moving through the Salina area at the time the incidents were reported.
Both properties were turned back over to the owner occupants.
No injuries were reported.