A series of brush fires that developed in both Lyon and Chase counties earlier this week are now being treated as arson.
That’s according to both Lyon County Detective Sgt. Jacob Welsh and Chase County Sheriff Richard Dorneker. The series of fires began Tuesday in Chase County when four fires were set near Cottonwood Falls and Strong City.
Six more fires were reported between noon and 1 pm near Emporia, four near Roads 180 and E and two near the Interstate-35 East Sixth Avenue intersection. Welsh tells KVOE News that those fires were determined to be arson “early in the investigation.”
He says the fires in both counties may be connected, however, that has yet to be fully determined. Dorneker says it is his “gut feeling” that the incidents are connected saying “as soon as our fires were out, there’s were starting up.”
Welsh adds that while they do not know the intent of the individual who set the fire, residents should be reminded that fires set in fields can spread rapidly with high winds and dry conditions, as has been the case the past several days, and lead to damage or even injuries of a serious nature.
Both agencies are currently investigating the incidents in cooperation with the office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. If you have information about the fires near Emporia, call the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 620-341-3205 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273. If you have information about the Chase County grass fires, call the Chase County Sheriff’s Office at 620-273-6313.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more information as it becomes available.
