Mar 30, 2023

🎥Illegal outdoor fire burns 60 acres near Manhattan

Posted Mar 30, 2023 9:00 AM
Photo courtesy Riley Co. Fire District 1
Photo courtesy Riley Co. Fire District 1

RILEY COUNTY—Illegal outdoor burning started a large grass fire in Riley County.

Just before 2p.m. Wednesday, Riley County Fire District #1 was dispatched to an area near High Plains Trail, just southwest of Tuttle Creek Lake dam, for reports of a grass fire, according to Deputy Fire Chief Doug Russell.

Crews found an illegally started outdoor burn that was out of control. 

An estimated 60 acres burned and an Evergy electrical transformer junction box was damaged in the fire. No one is without power as a result of the damage to the junction box. Two homes were threatened but no evacuations were issued and no structures were lost. No injuries have been reported. 

Submitted photo
Submitted photo

“This was a difficult fire to fight and I called for mutual aid from the Manhattan Fire Department because I knew we would need additional help to get it under control,” said Deputy Chief Doug Russell. “The terrain was steep and the strong wind swirled in the valleys, creating small fire tornadoes. I’m grateful we had enough personnel available to attack this fire quickly and protect the neighboring homes.” 

Photo Riley Co. Fire District 1
Photo Riley Co. Fire District 1

Outdoor burning was not allowed in Riley County Wednesday afternoon due to high winds and dangerous fire conditions. Riley County Fire District #1 sent multiple public notifications about the burn ban and dangerous conditions.

Riley County regulations require all burn permit holders to notify local authorities before outdoor burning begins, and to only burn when weather conditions allow. Permit holders are also required to have adequate equipment and manpower to conduct the burn safely. The property owner failed to follow the terms of the burn permit process. Riley County Police Department issued a citation to the property owner for the violation.

“The first step in the process to conduct an outdoor burn is to contact Riley County Emergency Management or visit our website to apply for a free burn permit. Staff will share advice and information for conducting the burn safely,” said Russell.

Dangerous fire conditions are expected to continue for the next few days. The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory in many areas of the state.