Kansas elementary school evacuates students due to fast-moving grass fire

Update:

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The fire is burning near 82nd Street, east of Blue Spruce Road, and extending toward Rolling Hills and the 1000 block of East 69th Street. A smaller section of the fire is also active near Plum Street and 69th Street on the east side, reaching down to the 6400 block of North Plum.

Officials are urging the public to avoid the area due to heavy emergency vehicle traffic.

Authorities said the situation is improving for those not within the evacuation zone.

Original article:

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Plum Creek Elementary School in Buhler USD 313 evacuated students Thursday, Dec. 18, afternoon as a rapidly spreading grass fire threatened areas north of 43rd Street, school officials said.

Superintendent Cindy Couchman instructed parents to pick up their children at Crosspoint Church, 1410 E. 30th St. in Hutchinson, after 2:15 p.m. Parents were told not to go to the school building as evacuation procedures were underway.

The Reno County Sheriff's Office said extreme winds caused the grass fire to move rapidly, prompting the precautionary evacuation. Sheriff's deputies assisted with traffic control and evacuation of the area north of 56th Street from Monroe to Lorraine.

No mandatory evacuation order was in effect, but authorities blocked off the area to avoid potential dangers. Officials urged residents to stay clear to allow deputies and fire personnel to safely control the situation.

Parents with questions were directed to contact the district's central office at 620-543-2258.