
aerial view of the aftermath of the large fire near Woodlawn, in Nemaha Co, Saturday. Credit: Sabetha Fire Dept/Facebook
(KAIR/KMZA)--A dry Saturday, accompanied by strong winds, led to the issuance of burn bans across the region, and to a number of fire calls, as a Red Flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service.
Volunteer firefighters in Atchison County were kept busy by grass fire flareups, due to the windy conditions. That included efforts from Lancaster Fire District #5, Effingham Fire District #2, and Walnut Fire District #3, according to weekend social media posts from the area fire teams.
Nemaha County was hit hard by Saturday's conditions when, according to the Sabetha Fire Department, "a very large field fire" was "caused when a combine sparked while operating" in the Woodlawn area.
According to the release, approximately 30+ firetrucks, a dozen other specialty pieces of equipment and many dozens of firefighters responded, including volunteers from Sabetha, Wetmore, Goff, Centralia, Seneca, Powhattan, Fairview, Hiawatha and Morrill, as well as Sabetha EMS, Kansas Forest Service, Nemaha County Emergency Management, police and sheriff deputies who responded to assist.
Heinen Brothers provided two crop duster planes who performed aerial water drops. Multiple farmers brought in tractors to disk the fields to help slow the fire's spread, while multiple heavy graders and bulldozers responded, as well as large tanker trucks from ag services that normally transport chemicals and fertilizers were filled with water to assist.
The last of the crews left the scene nearly 7 hours after being called.
The release notes that while hundreds of acres were burned, "all structures were saved from damage and nobody suffered serious injuries during the incident."
Conditions remain dry across the region, with fire-related authorities urging all residents to exercise extreme caution in all outdoor activities as the conditions remain.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton schools mourn student death
Doniphan Co search warrant leads to 3 arrests
Info sought on missing Sabetha teen
Missing Atchison couple draws renewed interest
Fleeing, drugs, hold Atchison man
Atchison's USD 409 names new Superintendent
ATCH CO SO seeks tips regarding stolen motorcycle
Jackson Heights names new MS/HS Principal
Atchison foundry renamed in acquisition
Expansion of Atchison skatepark planned
Tecumseh Prison inmates arrested for 2023 assaults
NioCorp to begin 12-week drilling program
Olathe woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hiawatha City Commission approves fireworks on trial basis
Longtime Sabetha Fire Chief to retire
Two new members appointed to Brown Co Planning Commission
Falls City Council hears updated on electric department
Funding approved for 2 Jackson Co Parks and Rec projects
LATEST STORIES
Jefferson Co bridge work underway
Dean, assistant, secured for proposed BC med school
Richardson Co board conducts grievance hearing
Update to Nebraska State Park burn bans
Holt Co, Mo bridge project delayed
Auburn, Neb to celebrate 143rd birthday
Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of fallen firefighters
Auburn School Board approves administrator salaries