The Geary County Rural Fire Department was dispatched out Tuesday night about 9:30 pm for a group of trees that were on fire in the area of US77 Hwy and N. K-57 Hwy. Several large cottonwood trees were on fire and had fire extending up the entire length of the trees.
Due to the high winds, embers were being sent several yards away. The fire was about 300 yards off the roadway, so a water shuttle operation was used with Grandview Plaza Fire and Ft. Riley Fire assisting with the water shuttle. A pumper unit then sent the water to brush units at the fire site. A decision was made to cut down the burning trees, some over 3-4 feet in diameter. Crews then extinguished the fires.
The Kansas State Fire Marshal' s Office was called in to assist with the investigation of the fire.