The two wildfires in Northern Riley County, one near Bjorling Road and the other near Hwy77 and Fancy Creek Road, are now fully contained. Smoke may continue to be visible in the areas for several days, however, as some cedar trees are still smoldering. Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD#1) will continue to monitor the areas for flare ups. If you see large amounts of smoke, call 911.
Th Bjorling Road fire burned an estimated 220 acres of dense cedar and deadfall on private ground on the northeast edge of Riley County. The cause of the fire was a permitted, controlled burn that got out of control. No injuries, no loss of property, and no loss of livestock were reported.
A total of 11 RCFD#1 apparatus, plus 6 from Blue Rapids and Waterville Fire Departments, and 1 from Manhattan Fire Department responded to this fire along with more than 15 personnel.
A second fire started on Tuesday, April 27 near Hwy77 and Fancy Creek Road. The cause of the fire was a permitted, controlled burn that got out of control and jumped the highway. An estimated 45 acres of public land burned.
A crew of two trucks and three volunteer firefighters responded to the Hwy77 and were able to conduct backburns to protect structures in the area. No injuries were reported, no property was lost, and no livestock were injured in this fire.
Riley County currently has 120 volunteer firefighters with roughly 40-45 core volunteers who are able to respond frequently.
We want to thank all of the firefighters for their hard work and dedication, especially lately. You’ve all gone above and beyond and have been able to prevent catastrophic results from the many wildfires in Riley County this season. We are always building our team and ready to grow stronger. Find information about becoming a volunteer firefighter.
Find photos of the fire responses on the RCFD#1 Facebook Page.
