At noon on September 8, Riley County Fire District #1 were dispatched to a brush fire in the 9600 block of Windy Hill Road. A total of approximately 10 volunteer firefighters responded on 5 apparatus and were able to contain the fire. However, windy conditions reignited the fire later that day and firefighters were dispatched to the area again at 3:30 p.m. At that time, 12 volunteers and personnel responded on 7 apparatus.
The fire was fully contained as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, and RCFD#1 personnel and area property owners remained on site to monitor the situation and watch for flare ups.
The fire was caused by a controlled burn that got out of control and spread to a neighboring pasture. An estimated total of 30 acres of private property were burned. No structures were damaged in the fire.
One civilian, not a member of RCFD#1, was injured in an ATV accident during the fire response. The injuries sustained were not life-threatening but Riley County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) transported the individual to an area hospital for treatment. To protect patient privacy, Riley County will not release any further details about the patient.
“We’re entering the fall burning season which is important for area landowners, but fire danger is high due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and dry conditions,” said Deputy Fire Chief Doug Russel. “Any outdoor burns should be monitored closely and re-checked often for several days after the fire is extinguished. We’re hoping for rain this weekend and will continue to evaluate weather and fire conditions for safety.”
Riley County Fire District #1 provides primary fire protection and emergency response to protect the lives and property of residents, businesses, and visitors across the unincorporated areas of Riley County, Kansas as well as several local communities inside the district including Leonardville, Ogden, and Randolph. Our primary response area includes suburban and rural areas totaling approximately 450 square miles and automatic aid with the City of Manhattan and the City of Riley.
Learn more about RCFD#1 online at www.rilecountyks.gov/fire or by calling (785) 537-6333 during regular business hours. Follow RCFD#1 on Facebook /RCFD1, Twitter @RileyCoFire, and Instagram RileyCoFire.
