UPDATE:
By WIBW TV
WABAUNSEE CO., Kan. (WIBW) - Emergency officials warned people west of K-99 in Wabaunsee Co. late Tuesday afternoon to be prepared to evacuate, as winds to send wildfires racing across grassy fields.
Nelson Casteel of Shawnee Co. Emergency Mgt., which is assisting the response, said the primary area of concern was from K-99 west to Wabaunsee Rd., and from Pretty Creek and Pavillion Rd., north to K-18.
K-99 south of K-18, south of Wamego, was closed due to smoke from the fires.
The Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office says there are currently several out-of-control fires in the area. In addition to the fire on the west side of K-99, another fire burned on the east side of the highway, near Paw Paw Creek Rd. Yet another fire near Windy Hill Rd. and S. Boundary Rd. had Keene-Eskridge Rd. closed, south of I-70, as it also moved near Blazingstar Rd.
At the same time, Riley Co. officials warned of a wildfire burning the southeast corner of their county. It was centered north of I-70, west of Tallgrass Rd. Resident in the area were advised to be alert for potential evacuations.
---
The Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System has provided information that the Kansas River Bridge on K-99 Highway south of Wamego is now open.
---
By WIBW TV
WABAUNSEE CO., Kan. (WIBW) - K-99 south of Wamego has closed due to an out-of-control wildfire as crews attempt fight a second fire along I-70. Residents have been warned to be ready for evacuation.
The Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office says there are currently several out-of-control fires in the area, two of which are located in the county. It said one fire is located along I-70 at milepost 326, the other can be found along K-99 highway near Paw Paw Creek.
The Sheriff’s Office said if residents live north of either location, they should start the think about evacuation. It said officers and fire crews are in the area and will do their best to notify residents - however, the fire is spreading fast.