HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawna Hartman, the public information officer for Kansas Forest Service was before the Reno County Commission Tuesday along with Eric Ward to let the commission know about the project they’ll be doing this month at Sand Hills State Park and also near Prairie Dunes County Club.
Ten years ago, they partnered with Hutchinson Community College Fire Science students to give them an opportunity to use their classroom training in the field preparing and participating in actual fire situations. That means working wild land fires such as what we have seen in years past in the areas north and east of Hutchinson. They’re also trying to reduce hazardous fuels on public lands the could threatened private property.
Lane told the commission that they chose the Hutchinson area this year because historically, this area has seen some of the worst wild land fires in the state in regards to duration and also property damage.
This event will be held March 22 through March 28, with the Hutchinson Fire Department also participating.
They say they’ll be setting some controlled fires in prescribed areas to give the students experience in fighting these types of fires.
They also invited the commission to what they called a VIP event at the Hutchinson Fire Department Facility and offices on East 4th, on March 24.
So, if you see a lot of activity that week north and east of Hutchinson, you know what’s going on.