HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Here is an update on the grass fire from Monday north of Hutchinson.
Fire officials say it was first reported just after 4:30 p.m, in the 9000 block of North Plum. When units arrived they found the fire burning 1/8 mile wide in heavy brush with multiple structures and animals being threatened.
The fire continued to burn northeast of Plum, threatening up two dozen homes. Fire units prepared to stop the fire from crossing 95th. The fire did cross the street at one point burning approximately 100 yards to the north before being put out. When the fire crossed 95th, the width was approximately 100 to 150 yards wide which help units control the fire. They say that the width of the fire as it moved north to 95th Avenue varied up to ¼ mile wide in parts.
The area south of 95th is an extremely dense area with cedars and heavy brush making access near impossible expect for getting in driveways and protecting structures.
The fire was contained just before 7 p.m. Mutual Aid units were released and Hutchinson Fire maintained units overnight as crews anticipated a wind shift out of the north around 1:00 a.m. No major issues occurred overnight. At day break, the city of Hutchinson returned with a pay loader and a bulldozer to finish clearing the trees on the south perimeter. A tree trimming company was brought in to remove some high branches that were burning over a structure north of 95th. All units cleared the scene around 10:30 a.m. Three units responded back just before 3 p.m. Tuesday for a reported spot fire which turned out to be very minor and was taken care of.
Mutual Aid was requested in route and then subsequently after arrival to include the following departments: Reno County: District 3 (Nickerson), District 4 (Arlington), District 8 (Yoder), District 9 (Haven), Buhler, Pretty Prairie, Inman, Sterling and Lyons. Approximately 50 fire units and 90 personnel were called to the scene. In addition to Fire Units, Kansas Forestry Service supplied expertise, Reno County Sheriff’s Department provided traffic control, Emergency Management provided outside resources, Salvation Army brought out their canteen to rehab responders, and the City of Hutchinson brought out a pay loader to assist in moving trees around as needed. Mike’s Auto Service provided parking for the Command Post over night to allow for Plum Street to be reopened.
One house off of Plum did sustained moderate damage from the fire with damage occurring on the outside of the residence in the flooring, wall, and the attic. Damage estimate is $20,000. No one was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries reported.
During the fire, Plum Street was shut down to traffic from 82nd to 108th, along with 95th east of Plum. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Department with assistance from the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, with a possibility of an illegal burn in the area.
Hutchinson Fire officials reminder residents that there is still extremely dry grass and brush in the area and any type of fire will grow extremely quickly. Rain is forecast for the area this week, however fields are still very dry and don’t take long to dry out with the Kansas wind once the rain has stopped. they’re asking all residents to use extreme caution during this dry time.
The Hutchinson are is unique where a large population has build residences and structures in areas of natural habitat. They’re asking those residents to take the time to walk around their homes and clear any combustibles away from structures and to mow and maintain short grass to assist in providing protection to their homes and other structures.
The Hutchinson Fire Department will be in the area Wednesday getting all addresses and surveying damage areas. A complete loss total is not yet available for the entire incident.