Man who suffered severe burns in Olathe house fire dies at hospital
A man who suffered critical burn injuries after a house fire in Olathe this week died at a hospital, a fire department spokesman said.
Olathe Fire Department spokesman Mike Hall identified the man who died as Johnny Ray Childers, 54.
Crews responded around 12:08 p.m. Tuesday to a home at East Welston Avenue and East Bristol Lane on a reported fire with a patient.
When crews arrived, they found two men injured, one with severe burns, Hall said. The fire department evacuated the home and put out the blaze within 12 minutes of arriving to the scene, Hall said.
On Thursday, the fire department was notified that the man who was critically injured in the fire died at a hospital Wednesday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Hall said.
The other man who firefighters rescued from the burning home remained hospitalized Thursday afternoon.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. According to the fire department, damage to the home and its contents is estimated to be around $40,000.
Hall said the fire appeared to be contained to the room where it originated.
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 2:34 PM.
