
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
Couple arrested on drug charges after traffic stop
Hartman sentencing in the hands of judge
Fr. Courtney disciplined by Lincoln Diocese
Update: Atchison boil water advisory lifted
Leavenworth area motorcyclist killed in Platte Co MO crash
Longtime BC Dean, leader, remembered
Traffic stop sends driver to DHS custody
Competency evaluation sought for man charged in murder of Seneca priest
Hearing set on proposed Nemaha Co Land Development Code
Ozawkie man injured in Jeff Co crash
Grand Opening held for Underground Railroad exhibit in Falls City
Topeka man arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Sheriff's Office releases 3rd quarter 2025 patrol statistics
Public health advisories lifted for two local lakes
KDOT approves bids for area projects
Highland College executive vice-president honored
AEDs to be placed in Falls City Parks
Pay increase approved for Hiawatha city employees
LATEST STORIES
Boil water advisory rescinded for Atchison Co RWD 5C
Sterling School patrons to vote on bond issue
Traffic stop sends driver to DHS custody
Pay increase approved for Hiawatha city employees
New Nemaha Co Treasurer sworn in
Competency evaluation sought for man charged in murder of Seneca priest
Topeka man arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Grand Opening held for Underground Railroad exhibit in Falls City