(RILEY COUNTY, KS - October 5, 2022) Riley County Fire District #1 was dispatched to reports of a structure fire at 2748 W. 60th Avenue in the Keats area at 5:45 a.m. this morning. When crews arrived, they found a detached barn fully involved with fire. A total of 15 volunteer firefighters responded on 5 apparatus and were able to extinguish the fire within 15 minutes.
The structure was a total loss with damage estimated at $75,000.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but arson is not suspected. No injuries were reported and no large livestock were lost. However, approximately 20 chickens, ducks, and geese perished in the fire.
"Thankfully, the winds were calm this morning and fire danger was low. When we arrived, the barn was already destroyed and our focus was on putting out hot spots and keeping flare ups from spreading to neighboring fields and structures. It's a difficult loss, but on a different day, this situation could have been much worse," said Deputy Fire Chief John Martens.
Personnel from Riley County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) and Riley County Police Department (RCPD) were also on scene to assist. Thankfully, no medical treatment was needed. RCEMS and RCPD co-respond for all structure fires in Riley County.
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.
