Homes destroyed in Kansas wildfires on Monday
Several wildfires ignited across Kansas on Monday, destroying homes and injuring people.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - Several wildfires ignited across Kansas on Monday, destroying homes and injuring people.
Kearny County fire
In Kearny County, a fire ignited along Kansas Highway 25 south of Lakin around 1 p.m. Crews from Stanton and Grant counties and Garden City helped put the fire out.
One farmhouse was destroyed, and officials didn't know how much land burned.
One person was hurt while trying to stop the flames from spreading. Their condition is unknown.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire was contained. The Kansas Forest Service will use electronic equipment to determine how many acres are scorched.
Seward County fire
In Seward County, a fire destroyed or damaged several buildings. It ignited east of Liberal around noon.
The fire chief says six structures, two garages, and outbuildings were damaged or lost. Firefighters evacuated people while they fought the flames.
"This kinda took place on the east end of Andrew Lane, so we kind of make sure, one, we got the people out of the way first. Life safety is a priority, so when we get them out of the way, we can go work, and of course, that's hard for people to walk away from stuff like that," Chief Andrew Barkley, Seward County Fire Department, said.
Two firefighters were taken to the hospital.
"We had two firefighters that had some heat exhaustion, dehydration that were transported up to Southwest Medical Center. they were treated and released early yesterday evening and are back at work today," Barkley said.
The fire was out around 8 p.m., but crews monitored hot spots until midnight.
Mutual aid was requested from Stevens, Haskell and Mead counties. The Liberal Fire Department also responded.
The fire is being investigated by the state fire marshal's office.
Fire danger remains high
The KSN Storm Track 3 Weather team says a fire weather warning has been issued for southern Kansas on Tuesday.
Humidity is forecast to be low, and temperatures will reach nearly 80 degrees. The National Weather Service says that any fires that happen will likely spread rapidly due to forecasted wind.