RENO COUNTY— Fire crews continue to work two fires in rural Reno County. Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer gave an update just before noon Tuesday.
“Our fire units continue to work two fires near Hutchinson. The Ice fire on Plum Street between 95th and 108th, and the Beer fire from 4th Avenue to 43rd between Kent and Willison,” Beer said. “Both fires are about 50% contained as of Tuesday morning.”
Beer says mostly hot spots in timber are the main challenges along with the wind.
Beer says that they were able to save every home and structure in both fires with an estimated value in excess of $17 million. Beer says that comes from learning lessons from past wildfires in the county
The fire department has been in contact with the National Guard about deploying Blackhawk helicopters so they can pinpoint water drops on the problem areas. The wind was still too strong Tuesday morning to do that.
Two task forces from Harvey and Sedgwick County are on the scene along with 12 Hutchinson Fire Dept. crews. Beer says that more than 900 acres has burned in the two fires, around 80 fire units were involved from around the area and nearly 170 fire fighters.
Beer says that they hope to have both fires under control by Monday. He also noted that the fire danger will remain very high through the weekend. Most roads are open again but the Reno County Sheriff’s Department is strongly urging motorists to stay out of the area due to the large amount of heavy equipment that is in the area. Only 108th east of Plum remains closed at this time.
Only one civilian injury occurred and no firefighters have been injured, according to Beer. "It should be noted that there were numerous heroic acts of bravery performed to save individuals’ property by firefighters" "The firefighters are tired, and beat up, but pushed through for their community and citizens," Beer said.
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RENO COUNTY —Crew worked overnight to battle the wildfire east of Hutchinson in Reno County. All blacktop roads and other in the area were to be open by 6a.m., according to the Reno County Sheriff. Winds shifted to the north early Tuesday were not as strong. However, the fire danger risk is expected to remain high through at least 7 p.m. tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
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RENO COUNTY — Fire crews are battling a large gras fire east of Hutchinson. Crews responded just after 2 p.m. for a fire located between 4th and 17th Avenue along Willison Road, according to the Reno County Sheriff. The fire was moving north.
Current Road Closings include 4th, 17th, and 30th from Kent Road to Buhler Road and Kent, and Willison from 4th to 30th, according to the Sheriff's Department.
Fire crews from McPherson, Harvey, and Sedgwick Counties are assisting along with tankers from the Kansas Forest Service. Winds were gusting better than 40miles per hour in the area, according to the National Weather Service
No structures have burned and there are no injuries reported.
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