It took over three hours for numerous departments at the county or state level to put out a fire near Reading on Friday afternoon.
The incident started with a grain truck catching fire shortly before 11 am near Roads 240 and V. Less than 20 minutes later, the fire spread to nearby grass and then kept agencies scrambling until after 2 pm.
Over 300 acres burned, according to Lyon County Emergency Communications Director Jarrod Fell. Early indications are the fire did not cause any injuries or any structural damage to homes, outbuildings or the Southern Power wind turbines nearby.
12:45 pm Friday: Significant grass fire near Reading prompts responses from Lyon, Coffey, Osage county authorities and KDOT
Numerous fire departments from Lyon and Coffey counties, along with other agencies at the county and state levels, are working to stop a grass fire near Reading.
The fire apparently started as a vehicle fire near Roads 240 and V shortly before 11 am. Within 15 minutes and with fire crews arriving from Miller and Reading, the fire spread to nearby grass and has continued to the north-northeast since then, riding winds between 20-35 mph.
The fire has stayed southwest of Reading. It is near the wind farm, but there are no reports of structural damage to turbines or homes in the area.
A host of agencies have been called to the developing fire scene as mutual aid. Lyon County District 4, Allen-Admire, Hartford-Neosho Rapids, Coffey County and Osage County fire units have responded. The Kansas Department of Transportation is directing traffic on Kansas Highway 170 west of Reading. The Lyon County Highway Department has also provided its own firefighting equipment. Lyon County Emergency Management is also providing support.
Any fires that develop through the weekend may spread quickly and be difficult to contain, given the ongoing drought, warmer-than-normal temperatures, dry grasses and gusty winds.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
11:15 am Friday: Several Lyon County fire departments battling combination vehicle-grass fire
Lyon County firefighters are dealing with a vehicle and grass fire Friday morning.
Miller and Reading firefighters were dispatched to Roads 240 and V shortly before 11 am. Early indications are the incident started with a gran truck and became a grass fire about 15 minutes after the initial call. Details are pending.
Lyon County District 4, Emporia’s rural unit, along with Allen-Admire and Hartford-Neosho Rapids were dispatched as mutual aid once the grass fire developed. Lyon County Highway Department and Lyon County Emergency Management assisted.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
