*photos courtesy of Andrea Leiker

RENO COUNTY — Hutchinson/Reno County Fire units are continuing to work a grass fire northeast of Hutchinson, however, they now say it’s about 75 percent contained.

Deputy Fire Chief Doug Hanen says it was reported around 2:20 p.m. along 43rd east of Old K-61. By the time they arrived, he says it had spread as far north as 69th. He told us they were able to contain it at or around 69th. He says the fire did jump the road at a couple of locations along that street, but they were able to keep it from spreading north.

They called in multiple resources from neighboring counties with about 40 units and 100 firefighters on scene at the height of the fire. Hanen says they have now released between one-half and three-fourths of those firefighters, but others remain on scene to basically babysit until morning. He says where the fire is now is in heavy brush and that it’s too dangerous to have anyone in there overnight.

As far as structures, he says two sheds caught fire, one is completely destroyed and the other was badly damaged.

All of the roads leading in and out of the area were closed, but all but two have reopened at this point, that being 56th from Old K-61 east to the dead end, and 69th, also east of Old K-61.

Emergency Management Director Adam Wieshaar says they have declared Reno County a disaster area because of the fires both Friday and Saturday. He says this has been signed by the County Commissioners, which allows them to seek assistance from the state.

He adds, “We are bracing for more possible fire over he next few days because of the extreme dry conditions and very strong winds.”

One of the big issues was residents driving in to the area to see the fires. That’s why law enforcement blocked all the roads to those trying to get in to take pictures.

The smoke did cause some concern along K-61 Highway near Medora because of low visibility in that area.

Hanen says they don’t know the cause at this point and they will be monitoring overnight.

They are also working a fire at the landfill west of Hutchinson, but it isn’t threatening any structures that we are aware of.