1 March 2024
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) – There are wildfire dangers across the state as dry and windy conditions continue. A wildfire in Saline County prompted evacuations Thursday afternoon.
The fire ignited around 1 p.m. Saline County Fire District 3 Chief Scott Abker said it started south of Interstate 70 but jumped the interstate and took off. The strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly, causing the Kansas Forest Service to step in.
Abker said he’s not sure how many acres have burned. They have estimated the fire has traveled about two miles and is about one mile wide. He said once crews would get the fire line knocked down, the wind would change direction and start again.
Between seven and eight different fire units have been combating the fire.
Saline County officials issued an evacuation notice on Thursday just before 2 p.m. It was lifted just before 3:30 p.m.
One resident who had to evacuate gave all the credit to the fire crews for saving his home.
“We kinda got stuff together, and the smoke started pouring through, and I was really scared for the neighbor’s house across the way there because it was totally surrounded. I have to give all the credit to all the firemen in the area. Obviously, they saved our house. We were pretty surrounded except for that side over there,” said Steve Frueh, who lives nearby.
Fire crews said they can’t figure out exactly what it was that started the fire unless an eyewitness saw it happening. The first truck on the scene said they found the fire on the south side, and it was starting to get pretty big.
Despite several houses being threatened, Abker said he hasn’t heard of any property damage. The pastures that were burned appeared to be empty, with no cattle. There is significant fence damage.
The Kansas Fire Marshal’s office was on the scene Thursday as well. An investigator was walking the interstate when Abker arrived.
Abker said he’s concerned about hotspots causing more fires, but he’s keeping crews working to keep that from happening.