SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – South Hutchinson and Hutchinson Fire Departments worked two grass 
fires on either side of the Arkansas River this afternoon.
According to Reno County 911, the first call came out to South Hutchinson Fire just before noon for a fire along the south side of the river. Shortly after, the Hutchinson Fire Department was called out to the same area along the north side of the river. Both fires were located along the BNSF railway and it’s thought a train might have started the fires, although Chief Kim Forbes did not rule out that the fires could have been set.
The north side fire was especially difficult due to the narrow area and steep incline along the tracks. The fire burned for more than a ¼ mile from where it started but thankfully was confined mostly to the ground and did not spread too far into the trees nearby. The fires were brought under control by mid afternoon.
No injuries were reported and no damage, but firefighters had to battle the rugged terrain, hot weather and heavy brush.