Riley County fire officials are battling a large wildfire burning and spreading aggressively in the northern portion of the county.
As of 3 p.m. Saturday, two homes had been evacuated and 11 more were notified that evacuation may be necessary.
The fire started in Pottawatomie County and crossed the northern part of Tuttle Creek Lake into Riley County Friday evening. It’s been fueled by strong winds, as high as 60 mph, coupled with low humidity and dry conditions. Riley County Commission Chairman John Ford signed a local disaster emergency declaration Saturday afternoon, opening the county up to additional state resources, including air support to fight the fire.
Additionally, smoke may reduce visibility for drivers on Tuttle Creek Blvd/US 77 north of Randolph. Extra caution is advised.
Firefighters from numerous departments including Riley, Marshal and Clay counties, as well as Kansas Forest Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are on scene providing support and assistance. County officials say a firefighting aircraft has also been dispatched to the area.
Officials are asking anyone who burned outdoors within the past week to check and recheck those areas to avoid the potential for rekindles.
Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation Friday evening due to increased fire weather conditions.
This is a developing story and we’ll share more details as they become available.
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