Sep 20, 2023

Semi-truck fire started I-70 grass fire near McDowell Creek Road

Posted Sep 20, 2023 7:33 PM
A semi-truck caught on fire on Wednesday afternoon - the back tires of the truck caught fire and burned the trailer as seen in the picture. This photo courtesy of the Geary County Emergency Management Facebook Page. 
A semi-truck caught on fire on Wednesday afternoon - the back tires of the truck caught fire and burned the trailer as seen in the picture. This photo courtesy of the Geary County Emergency Management Facebook Page. 

UPDATE: 

According to Garry Berges, the Geary County Emergency Management Director and County Fire Chief, a semi-trucks back tires caught on fire, which then spread to the trailer and then into a grass fire. The incident was on westbound I-70 near exit 306. 

Westbound traffic is down to one lane and speed is currently reduced. 

Crews are still working on the scene. Westbound traffic is currently reduced to one lane. 
Crews are still working on the scene. Westbound traffic is currently reduced to one lane. 

Geary County Fire Department and the Riley County Fire Department were both on the scene, as well as the Geary County Sherriff Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

Drivers should still use caution when going through the area. 

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By Anthony Gorges

JC Post

There is a grass fire near exit 306 westbound on I-70. 

A semi-truck caught on fire and that engulfed into a grass fire. The alternate route that drivers should use is exit 307. 

All drivers should pay attention to traffic controls, slow down and be prepared to stop. Drivers on East-bound I-70 will need to use caution for smoke over the roadway. 

More details will be provided as soon as they are made available. 

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