Ellis County
UPDATE – 9:05 p.m.
The fires this evening in Ellis County are still working fires and the Ellis County Fire Department continues to have multiple fire crews working two fires. The first fire at the approximate location of Interstate 70 Mile Marker 160 is 99% contained, however fire crews are monitoring hot spots. The second, and larger fire located at Toulon Avenue and Homestead is about 90% contained.
Controlled fires will be monitored throughout the evening hours into tomorrow morning to ensure the fires do not spread. At this time, the fire has looked to have burned approximately 8,000-10,000 acres. Firefighters will remain on scene to monitor flare-ups from safe locations throughout the night hours to maintain safety levels in the dangerous terrain.
Preliminary reports show that all residential structures have been saved, however some may have received damage. Throughout the incident one firefighter was treated by Ellis County EMS and is being treated at Hays Medical Center for smoke inhalation.
The Ellis County Fire Department greatly appreciates the help of all the local volunteers, local businesses, and farmers who have generously donated food, water, and support to all the firefighters working the scene. The help from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies, Ellis County Public Works, Ellis County EMS, Hays Fire Department, Kansas Forestry Service, multiple surrounding county fire departments, and the Kansas National Guard has had a profound effect on the outcome of this fire.
Donations of water, sports drinks and non-perishable snack foods to support fire crews will be accepted at the Emergency Services Building, 1105 E. 22nd Street in Hays starting again tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. No cash donations are being accepted.
Ellis County residents are reminded that a burn ban is in place for unincorporated portions of the county.
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An estimated 100 firefighters from Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Trego counties – with helicopter support from the Kansas National Guard – are battling a blaze that stretches for approximately five miles across the northeastern section of Ellis County. Ellis County Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers estimates the blaze is currently only 25 percent contained.
“Every time I think we’ve got the upper hand, the wind shifts again,” said Myers.
At least one of those wind shifts has been positive for area residents. Emergency officials earlier considered evacuating the community of Catharine, but have no plans to do so at present.
“The smoke is blowing away from Catharine at this point,” said Myers.
Myers anticipates that fire crews will be on scene most of the night. Donations of water, sports drinks and non-perishable snack foods to support fire crews are being accepted at the Emergency Services Building, 1105 E. 22nd Street in Hays. No cash donations are being accepted at this time.
Ellis County residents are reminded that a burn ban is in place for unincorporated portions of the county.