By Brendan Ulmer and Michael Glenn
Hutchinson Tribune Staff
HUTCHINSON—No homes, injuries or deaths have been reported in the 500-acre fire first reported Thursday afternoon near 82nd Avenue, according to Operations Chief Jeremy Unruh, who spoke at a press conference by the Hutchinson Fire Department concerning the fire.
Unruh said the department received the call at 12:52 p.m., and firefighters from across four different counties helped contain the fire through the afternoon. Unruh added the department’s mutual aid helped in working the fire.
“Due to the wind and the area and past incidents, we immediately called for assistance through our mutual aid partners,” Unruh said. “That brought up the number of 100 firefighters from four counties. That is muchly appreciated.”
The fire spans from 82nd Avenue south to the 6600 Block, and east of Blue Spruce Road to the 1000 Block of East 69th Street.
Unruh said the fire department contained the fire around 3 p.m., and two investigators are near the start of the fire to determine a cause.
“Cruisers will be out there all night long, and they’re securing properties, making sure no homes are involved,” Unruh said. “There are still quite a few trees and hay bales burning that guys will be manning most of the night.”
Unruh said the goal was to reduce the evacuation zone near 6 p.m., and for families to be able to return home Thursday night.
Unruh thanked the Kansas State Fair for opening up animal spaces for those impacted to use, as well as the City of Hutchinson Public Works Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, the Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Office and Buhler USD 313.
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HUTCHINSON—The City of Hutchinson has issued an evacuation order for all structures north of 56th Avenue, between Plum Street and Halstead Street.
This measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution.
According to the City of Hutchinson, the fire is located near 82nd Street, east of Blue Spruce Road, extending toward Rolling Hills and the 1000 block of East 69th Street. A smaller portion of the fire is also present near Plum Street and 69th Street on the east side, extending down to the 6400 block of North Plum Street.
At 1:45 p.m., Plum Creek Elementary School announced that they were evacuating, and students could be picked up at CrossPoint Church.
The Kansas State Fairgrounds is offering temporary shelter for horses that have been displaced or impacted by the fire. Those who seek to use this service should bring their horses into the fairgrounds through Gate 10. Horses that have traveled within the last 15 days will be placed into Barn 1, while horses that have remained local will be placed into Barn 2 and Barn 3.
The fair will provide water, but owners will be responsible for the rest of the horses’ needs.