The strong winds and dry conditions certainly didn’t help firefighters fighting grass fires around the area Friday.
The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to two separate grass fires with the first being reported in the 900 Block of South Devena Drive at 5:35 p-m. When they arrived, units found 3 to 5 acres of grass on fire north of the rail road right of way. Several cedar trees were also on fire and units had to contend with several propane tanks that were being threaten by fire. The fire was controlled in 30-minutes with units remaining on scene for 3-hours dealing with rubbish that was burning.
The second fire was reported at Avenue G and Mayfield at 5:43 p-m. When units arrived, they found 2 to 3 acres of grass on fire north of the rail road right of way. The fire had jumped the driveway and made it through two large rows of cottonwood and cedar trees. A cabin and a garage on the Shear’s sand pit was nearby, but was never involved in the fire. It was controlled in 40-minutes with units remaining on scene again for 3-hours working with several cottonwood trees.
Reno County Fire District-8 responded 2-brush units on mutual aid to assist.
Westar was also summoned to the scene to check some burnt utility poles and assist with several trees that were near the power lines.
Both fires were sparked by a passing train and no injuries were reported at either fire.