At least 300 hay bales have been destroyed by a fire near Emporia early Sunday.
The blaze was reported in the 600 block of Road 130, about three miles south of Emporia, shortly after 4 am. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Eron Steinlage says firefighters had to backburn grass on three sides of the hay bales to get the situation contained. The landowner is also in the process of moving at least 300 bales away from the affected bales, which may well smolder into the middle of the week.
Emporia and Olpe firefighters responded, with equipment also coming from Hartford-Neosho Rapids. No injuries have been reported. The cause is under investigation.
The hay bale fire comes with light winds expected Sunday and Monday — but with drought conditions ongoing and winds expected to both pick up and shift directions Tuesday. Residents are urged to take extra care with anything fire-related through Monday. Outdoor burns will be strongly discouraged Tuesday through Thursday, with our next chance of rain coming Thursday night through Saturday.
We’ll have updates on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
