RENO COUNTY—As of 8:25 p.m., the evacuation has been lifted for the North Plum area near Hutchinson, according to a statement from the Hutchinson Fire Department. All residents are allowed to return home. There was some smoke drifting across Plum near 69th street.
7p.m.
All mutual aid, in county and out of county task forces have been released from the scene on North Plum. HFD is still on scene working a few hot spots and hay bale fires. Hutchinson crews will remain in the area overnight on patrol. Projection for tomorrow shows a wind shift out of the South. Crews have already solidified the North perimeter in preparation of this. HFD will be on site tomorrow patrolling the area and doing a damage assessment.
No homes have been reported damaged. No injuries of firefighters or residents. Approx. 500 acres burnt. Cause is currently under investigation.
The evacuation area will be lifted later tonight. Our concern with this at this hour is the smoke drifting across Plum Street from a large amount of hay bales on fire. When this dissipates, all areas will be open. As residents return, please keep an eye out on your property and advise 911 if you feel there is a threat. You will see areas burning, these will mostly be in the middle of a burnt area. Again, crews will be in the area all night.
Hutchinson Fire could not have done this without the help of great mutual aid partners. We thank all that were willing to assists us. 100 firefighters from multiple departments over 4 counties, multiple reno county agencies, and business partners.
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Fire crews are working grass fires in many areas across Kansas as the National Weather Service issued high wind and red flag warnings for Thursday.
Early Thursday afternoon, Reno county emergency management was evacuating an area between Plum Street and K 61 and north of 68th Avenue and south of 82nd Avenue.
The Buhler USD 313 evacuated Plum Creek Elementary to Cross Point Church at 1410 East 30th Avenue. The district says parents will need to pick up their students at the church after 2:15pm today, the district says not to go to Plum Creek because of the evacuation process. If you have any questions, you can call the Buhler central office at 620-543-2258.
On his social media page, Trooper Tod Hileman shared video of the wildfire burning in southeast Russell County. He urged the public to avoid the area as firefighters work to contain it.
Due to the wildfire north of Hutchinson, the Kansas State Fairgrounds is accepting horses only for temporary emergency shelter, effective immediately and until further notice.
Horse owners needing shelter may bring animals to the Fairgrounds by entering through Gate 10. Upon arrival, owners must stop at the Stalling Office, located just inside Gate 10 next to the Big Red Barn, to provide contact information and receive directions.
Horses will be separated by travel history to protect animal health. Horses that have traveled within the past 15 days will be housed in Barn 1, while horses that have remained local will be placed in Barns 2 and 3.
The Kansas State Fair will provide water. Owners should bring feed, buckets, halters, medications, and any other necessary supplies. Trailers may park in the Midway area.