By Vivienne Leyva
Riley County Public Information Officer
(Riley County, KS – March 20, 2026) At 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD#1) was dispatched to a prescribed pasture burn reported out of control near Tabor Creek Lane, south of Zeandale.Upon arrival, volunteer fire crews found the fire had spread south into timbered draws and onto neighboring properties. Rugged terrain limited access and complicated suppression efforts. Firefighters conducted multiple backburn operations to isolate the draws and prevent further spread
A total estimated 400 acres burned, including the original 70 acres involved in the prescribed burn. A neighbor noted in a Facebook comment that “Nothing was harmed and it was actually a very productive fire for dogwood, cedar, and dead material removal.” (Joe Carpenter)A total of 15 RCFD#1 personnel responded with seven apparatus. Wabaunsee County Fire also assisted with one brush truck and two personnel.“
The extended dry conditions have allowed fires to carry through timbered draws that would normally slow or stop fire spread,” said Deputy Chief Jake Konrardy. “Without substantial moisture, we expect this risk to continue. Our crews did an excellent job under challenging conditions.”Crews remained on scene until approximately 8:30 p.m.