KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Hundreds of Acres Burn in Reno County

Hundreds of Acres Burn in Reno County

By Megan Strader (RENO COUNTY, Kan.)

Hours after a controlled burn went out of control, flames were still creeping across Reno County fields, south of Arlington. 

All less than two weeks after more than a foot of snow was dumped on the area and winds were at their lowest speeds in days.

"With the CRP grass being as tall as it is, even when its not windy like this, it's still dry enough, even with the moisture, that once the grass gets going it is somewhat complicated to get it to stop," explains Adam Pickett, Reno County District Four Assistant Fire Chief.

The grass fire ripped across more than 300 acres Wednesday afternoon, jumping roads and threatening several buildings. Because the ground is still muddy crews couldn't get into the fields to stop the fire. So, firefighters had to rely on being proactive rather than reactive.

Pickett adds, "We pretty much did a lot of back burning and met it at the road and tried to stop it there."

"It's the biggest fire the crews have fought all year, but after the way it one took off, they're sure it won't be their last.