ELLIS COUNTY

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.