McPherson, KS – Sprinkler system activated for forklift fire

On Thursday, a firefighter was injured while working a building fire in McPherson.

According to the McPherson Fire Department, crews were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at a building in the 1000 block of W. Kansas Ave. around 4 p.m.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters entered the building and found heavy smoke conditions and a forklift with its engine compartment on fire.

The sprinkler system was able to contain the fire to the forklift.

Crews continued to search the building for fire. During the search, two firefighters fell into a partially uncovered pit used for automotive repairs. One of the firefighters was transported via EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for a lower leg injury. They were treated and released, but they will need follow-up care.

The fire was extinguished, and the smoke was cleared from the building.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted with the fire investigation.