Seward County Fire and Mutual Aid Battle Wind Driven Fires

At 9:27 am today Seward County Fire Department was dispatched to 4 vegetation fires along highway 51 west of highway 83. Units arrived on scene and systematically started assigning resources to the fires. Air support was requested as well as mutual aid from Haskell, Steven’s, and Morton Counties.
The 2 most Western fires merged, and at 1:46pm forward progress had been stopped.

At 1:56pm Seward County Fire Department was dispatched to a 5th fire on highway 54 near 8th street for a vegetation fire. Liberal City Fire Department assisted along with a group from Haskell County. That fire was caused by a mechanical failure on a vehicle.

At 4:00pm all mutual aid resources were released from the highway 51 incident. Seward County Fire Department is still on scene and will be throughout the evening patrolling the fire scenes for hot spots.

Seward County Fire Department was assisted by Seward County Sheriff’s Office. Haskell County, Stevens County, Morton County, Seward County Emergency Management, Kansas State Forest Service, and Dickson Aerial Spray Service. Special thank you to numerous local farmers who assisted with water and tractors with disc’s as well as the residents who brought waters, gatorades, and food.

Seward County EMS was requested for 1 firefighter that experienced heat related illness. That firefighter was not transported and is doing ok. Kansas State Fire Marshall Fire Investigator is also on the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation, damage and acres affected are still being assessed.