ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
A fire burned six acres and took more than 32,000 gallons of water to extinguish in mid-March in northern Seward County.
In a press release, Fire Chief Andrew Barkley said workers with the Seward County Fire District were dispatched shortly before 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16, to a reported vegetation fire at Road K and Road 13.
“Firefighters arrived on scene to find six acres of medium to heavy vegetation burning to the east with west northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph on a privately-owned homestead,” he said.
As firefighters arrived on scene, Barkley said they immediately worked to stop forward progress of the fire.
“Firefighters then worked to contain the fire,” he said. “Seward County Fire District firefighters from the Liberal and Kismet stations responded to the incidents. Three fire engines, three water tenders, two chief officers and 10 personnel responded to the incident.”
Barkley said the fire burned six acres, using 32,500 gallons of water to extinguish. At the time of the press release, he said no loss value was available, and the cause was determined to be from a motor vehicle.
“The Seward County Fire District would like to remind our rural residents dry conditions are present, and fire can spread rapidly with the daily winds,” he said. “We encourage all residents to have a plan and make sure their properties are fire safe.”
Barkley advised those looking for more information on how to prepare for wildfires to visit the fire district’s Web site at www.sewardcountyks.org/88/fire and look for the wildfire tab.
