By BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
RILEY COUNTY - Just after 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th, Riley County dispatchers received 9-1-1 calls from concerned residents on Deep Creek Road notifying them of a grassfire, which had gotten out of control, was threatening structures and outbuildings.
According to Riley County Fire District #1, a total of nearly 30 firefighters responded on 14 apparatus, with mutual aid from 3 brush truck units and personnel from Wabaunsee County Fire District #8 and 1 brush truck unit and personnel from Manhattan Fire Department.
The fire started as a permitted outdoor burn, which ended up burning more than 300 acres of grassland.
“This was a fast-moving fire that threatened multiple homes,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Fire Chief John Martens. “We could have seen millions of dollars in damage without the aid of volunteer firefighters and mutual aid crews. It could have been truly devastating for the community.”
“Last year we had several major wildfires in Riley County and many across the state. Much of our landscape is fuel rich, very dry, and ready to burn with high intensity, and we ask people to stay vigilant this season," said Martens.
"If you’re conducting a burn, make sure you have enough people and equipment to control the fire. If you see an unattended fire or suspect an out-of-control fire in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 right away,” said Riley County Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Russel Stukey.
Procedures for controlled burns include the following:
- Get a burn permit
- Check local weather conditions and rangeland fire index
- Make sure you have enough manpower to control the burn (pdf)
- Make sure your equipment (pdf) is in good working order
- Call the controlled burn hotline before lighting the fire at 785-565-6216 or 866-565-6216 (toll-free)
- Call the controlled burn hotline when your fire is out
"Conducting an outdoor burn is a major responsibility and the fire must be monitored until completely extinguished or adequately contained. Fire can get out of control quickly and can be active for several days or even longer in certain circumstances. The consequences of an out-of-control fire can be disastrous,” said Stukey.
The first step in the process to conduct an outdoor burn is to contact Riley County Emergency Management 785-537-6333 to apply for a burn permit. Staff will share advice and information for conducting the burn safely.
Find more information at www.rileycountyks.gov/fire
and https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/fireprevention.html
The Kansas Forest Service also provides prescribed burning classes to property owners. More information is available at https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/prescribedfire.html
Sign up for emergency notifications, including burn condition notices, at www.rileycountyks.gov/alerts.