Wildfire burns 500 Acres in Reno County, no injuries reported

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Around 12:52 p.m. Dec. 18, a passerby called in a fire sighting to emergency services in Reno County. The fire grew rapidly and prompted evacuation of the area between 82nd Street and 43rd Street, east of Blue Spruce to about a half-mile east of Plum Avenue.

Hutchinson Fire Department, along with multiple agencies and approximately 100 firefighters from four counties, fought the blaze that was moving southeast. They faced sustained winds of 30 mph and wind gusts up to 50 mph. One of their biggest challenges was the wind pushing smaller fires out in front of the head fire, according to Operations Chief Jeremy Unruh.

The fire was classified as contained around 3 p.m. Dec. 18. It damaged approximately 500 acres with no structural damage or injuries reported. The evacuation notice was lifted at 8:20 p.m., and residents were allowed to return to their homes and properties.

Hutchinson Fire Department remained on the scene throughout the night to monitor hot spots. Unruh thanked all agencies involved in the crisis for their quick responses and ongoing efforts to contain the situation.