A 55-year-old male died from injuries suffered during a fire in his mobile home. Thirteen Units from the Wichita Fire Department responded to the call of a house fire at 2635 S. Hydraulic, Lot # 31C at about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011. Crews located smoke and fire coming from the south side of the mobile home, and were told an occupant was still in the home. When crews reached the back door, a citizen was pulling the victim from the home, and crews assisted in the rescue and started medical assessment and treatment. The victim was transported to Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased approximately 30 minutes later.
The Fire Investigation Unit determined the fire originated in the kitchen. An electrical malfunction involving wiring and an outlet in the south wall of the kitchen led to the ignition of the fire. Preliminary reports from the office of the District Coroner indicate the cause of death was due to exposure to heat and smoke. The victim was positively identified as 55 year old Stephen Baughman, the occupant of the involved home.
Fire damage was estimated at $20,000 to the structure and $10,000 loss to the contents.
