An investigation is underway into a fire discovered Wednesday morning at the Southern Star natural gas complex between Emporia and Americus.
Lyon County Deputy Danny Broyles says an employee arrived at 2143 Road E and found smoke coming from the control room. He backed out, activated the company’s emergency response plan and called 911, which eventually brought deputies, Evergy and fire departments from Emporia, Allen-Admire, Americus, Chase County and Dunlap to the scene.
Americus Fire Chief Bill Harmon says fire was evident when crews arrived shortly after 7 am.
Fire crews contained the fire and all damage to the control room, which is separated from the plant, and Southern Star says the fire was out by 7:35 am. Harmon credited Southern Star employees for their work to reduce the risk of more issues.
No injuries have been reported. Details about how and where the fire started are pending.
Lyon County records indicate the property is nearly 32 acres. The complex involves an office, warehouses, sheds, equipment storage and outbuildings.
8:40 am Wednesday: Fire out, investigation begins after building at Southern Star natural gas facility catches fire
Lyon County deputies say a fire at a western Lyon County natural gas facility has been extinguished.
Fire was reported at the Southern Star complex, 2143 Road E, around 7 am. The fire prompted a response from numerous area fire departments, including Emporia, Allen-Admire, Americus, Chase County and Dunlap.
No injuries have been reported. Details about how and where the fire started are pending.
Lyon County records indicate the property is nearly 32 acres. The complex involves an office, warehouses, sheds, equipment storage and outbuildings.
7:40 am Wednesday: Building at Southern Star gas facility northwest of Emporia reportedly on fire
Several area fire departments have responded to a structure fire northwest of Emporia.
Emporia Fire says a building at the Southern Star natural gas facility at Roads 210 and E is reportedly on fire. Crews from Emporia and Americus were called to respond around 7 am, with Allen-Admire, Chase County and Dunlap departments also called to the scene. Evergy has also responded.
Details are currently pending. We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
