HOISINGTON — The Hoisington Fire Department responded to two equipment fires Tuesday afternoon in the Hoisington area.

Tractor fire

Hoisington Fire Chief Jerry Stricker said Wednesday that insurance adjusters would be at the scene later in the day to look into the cause and damages in a fire that destroyed a tractor and resulted in some structural damage with heat damage to contents at Birzer Repair, 159 Missouri Pacific St. in Hoisington.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire, observing dark smoke coming from the eaves of the building upon arrival. Entering the building, the crew encountered heavy black smoke, which was vented to enable knockdown of the fire. Stricker noted that the majority of the fire was confined to a tractor at the back of the shop, as well as the shop ceiling immediately above.

A tin drop ceiling prevented fire spreading to the roof, but a couple rafters received minor damage from fire extension through the seams, Stricker said. Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour to extinguish the fire.

While Stricker noted that the fire appeared to have started in or near the tractor, the investigation as to cause is still ongoing.

Mower fire

At approximately 4:20 p.m., the Hoisington department responded to a report of a lawn mower on fire at the Long Drive Driving Range south of Hoisington. According to Chief Stricker, upon arrival, firefighters found a Hustler lawn mower fully involved in fire. 

A quick attack prevented fire from spreading into the nearby grass. The mower was a total loss; the operator was not injured.

HFD was assisted by Barton County dispatch, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Hoisington.