A wildfire scorched at least 1,500 acres Wednesday in areas of northern Riley and Pottawatomie counties.
Crews worked well into the night to contain the fire with assistance also called in from the Kansas Forest Service. The fire began in the Fancy Creek area near Carlson Road which also hopped into Pottawatomie County, including areas of Mariadahl and Shannon Creek Roads as well as Booth Creek road north of Highway 16. The latter was reportedly brought under control late Wednesday night.
At one point at least two Riley County structures had to be evacuated according to authorities, but no structural damage was reported and as of late Wednesday night no additional buildings were being threatened and no further evacuations were being ordered.
Officials in both counties are urging residents in the areas, especially around Tuttle Creek Lake near Randolph to have an escape plan. More strong winds are expected Thursday as a wind advisory will be in effect throughout the day.
