Riley County volunteer firefighters responded to several out-of-control fires this past weekend, though county officials noted greener vegetation and recent rains helped firefighters extinguish them quickly and prevent further spread.
Among the weekend fires, one utility task vehicle was destroyed in a seven-acre burn north of Manhattan, and another, un-permitted burn resulted in a citation for another property owner. Riley County Fire District No. 1 also responded to a mutual aid call from Wabaunsee County, assisting with a fire that spread to corn stubble, but was quickly extinguished.
“The primary reason fires get out of control is that individuals do not have the necessary experience, manpower, or equipment on hand to properly control their fire,” said Fire Chief Russel Stukey. “RCPD issued one citation to a property owner this weekend for violation of the Riley County Burn Resolution.”
Riley County regulations require a valid burn permit and notification to the Riley County Police Department before starting an outdoor burn. Those burns may also only be conducted when weather conditions allow. Permit holders are also required to have adequate equipment and manpower and must call the Burn Line at 785-565-6216 prior to lighting a fire.
Additional fire safety information is available at rileycountyks.gov.
