HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday when units from the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the 8100 block of East 4th for a grass fire. When units arrived, they found 15-20 acres on fire moving southwest through several pastures.
The fire was controlled in 45 minutes, but units were on scene for three hours. The fire was stopped at Avenue G and contained approximately 100 acres of pasture ground. Three round bales of prairie hay were also damaged in the fire.
The cause of the fire appears to be from a smoldering burn barrel. No one was injured in the fire.
Hutchinson Fire responded 11 units and Buhler Fire responded one unit for mutual aid.
Hutchinson Fire Department officials would like to remind citizens to remain vigilant when conducting any type of open burn. Especially with all the limbs piling up from the recent ice storm, please take the extra time to ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the burn unattended. Our area is still in a dry period as surface fuels have not received the moisture needed over several years.