Kan. firefighter responds to blaze at own home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Hutchinson firefighters are helping one of their own after his home was destroyed in an early-morning blaze.

Justin Holzrichter was on duty when a call about a fire in his neighborhood came in around 6 a.m. Friday. Hutchinson Fire Capt. Wesley Stewart told KSNW-TV that Holzrichter didn't realize it was his own home on fire until his crew arrived.

No one was inside because Holzrichter was on duty, and his dog was found safe in the backyard.

Holzrichter helped connect hoses while the flames were quickly brought under control. The cause is still being determined, but the fire was thought to be electrical in nature.

The Fire Department has established a fund at the Hutchinson Government Employees Credit Union to help the now homeless firefighter.