No structural damage has been reported following a brush fire that led to cosmetic damage to a bridge on Road M early Wednesday morning.
According to Lyon County Engineer Wayne Scritchfield, the brush fire that developed around 5 am under the bridge near the intersection of Road 150 and M, also known as South Weaver, caused a 6-foot by 2-foot “surface defect” on the base of the bridge’s south pier.
He explains that the fire caused the concrete to speall — fall away — from the base. That said, Scritchfield tells KVOE News the damage has no bearing on the structural integrity of the bridge and will not require any immediate repair.
The bridge is still structurally sound and Road M was reopened to traffic after noon Wednesday following the Highway Department’s inspection of the damage. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. No injuries were reported.
12:47 pm Wednesday: Road M reopens southeast of Emporia after brush fire, related bridge inspection Wednesday
Road M has reopened after a fire under a bridge near Emporia.
The fire was reported just after 5 am near the intersection of Road 150 and Road M, also known as South Weaver. M had been closed between Roads 147 and 150, while the bridge was closed through noon to allow for an inspection by the Lyon County Highway Department. Findings are pending.
8:40 am Wednesday: Road M closed near site of brush fire so Highway Department can inspect for potential bridge damage
Part of a Lyon County road southeast of Emporia is now closed after a brush fire near a bridge.
The fire was reported just after 5 am near the intersection of Road 150 and Road M, also known as South Weaver. As a result, M is now closed between Roads 147-150 with the bridge currently closed for inspection.
The fire was put out before 7 am. Emporia Fire Capt. Greg Davis says the fire was in the creek bed, and Lyon County Deputy Danny Broyles says there are some indication the fire either wasn’t put out or it was partially extinguished and rekindled. The brush fire in question apparently combined with a debris pile in the creek bed.
5:35 am Wednesday: Fire reported near bridge southeast of Emporia
Emporia Fire is on the scene of a brush fire near Emporia early Wednesday.
Firefighters from Emporia and Lyon County Rural were dispatched to a fire at Road 150 and South Weaver just after 5 am. Early indications are the fire developed under or near a bridge.
Additional details, including potential structural damage to the bridge, are currently pending. Lyon County deputies are currently on scene. Lyon County Highway Department staff have been called to the scene to investigate.
KVOE and KVOE.com will have updates.
