Kansas house fire kills woman, injures man and infant; ATF joins probe

OTTAWA, Kan. (KCTV) - A woman is dead, and a man and infant are burned after a Franklin County house fire - and ATF is aiding the investigation.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says emergency crews rushed to the area of U.S. Highway 59 and Sand Creek Rd. just before 7:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, after reports of a structure fire.

Firefighters add that they arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames. Crews found one woman dead inside.

A man and infant suffered burns in the fire, according to crews. They were taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center for treatment.

Deputies say they are withholding the victims’ names until the investigation is complete.

The Sheriff’s Office notes that it is investigating alongside the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Officials have not said what prompted ATF’s involvement or whether the fire is considered suspicious.

“Our condolences go to the family of the deceased,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured for their quick recovery.”

State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm says he was traveling from Kansas City to Hutchinson when the fire broke out. He arrived at the scene shortly after the first engine crew.

“Great effort by the first arriving engine crew to force entry into the building, knock down the fire, and locate the victim,” Engholm adds.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. The Sheriff’s Office has not said when it expects to release additional details.