9 p.m. Sunday update
After two days fighting a wildfire in northern Riley and Pottawatomie counties, firefighters and emergency crews have made some progress.
In Pottawatomie County, officials say the evacuation notice has been lifted and residents were able to return home. The main fire remains located north of Cleburn Road and west of Shannon Creek Road. The fire is estimated to be 50% contained. No injuries have been reported and no structures or livestock have been lost. Crews will be back out Monday to make sure all hot spots have been extinguished.
In Riley County, multiple agencies have been actively fighting the Axelton Hill Road fire which advanced north along the riverbed Sunday north of Tuttle Creek Lake, threatening several homes. One home was destroyed by fire Saturday, and thankfully no additional homes were lost to fire Sunday.
Anyone living north of Randolph should stay aware and be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Firefighters from multiple agencies remain on scene. The State of Kansas is providing air assets including National Guard helicopters.
5 p.m. Sunday update
Crews are continuing to battle a wildfire north of Randolph, impacting residents in extreme northern Riley and Pottawatomie counties.
As of 4 p.m., the Kansas Forest Service said the Axelton Hill Road fire was making a big push up the Big Blue River drainage. As winds shifted out of the west, the fire was pushed out of the river drainage and into the farm ground north of Olsburg in Pottawatomie County. Emergency Management officials there have issued evacuation notices and crews are working to get the fire stopped in crop fields.
Officials noted Sunday afternoon that residents living in the northwest part of Pottawatomie County, north of Highway 16, to north of Long Parkway Road and west of Shannon Creek Road. Residents were notified by the Sheriff’s Office of the voluntary evacuations.
The wildfire has raged out of control since late Friday.
A notification was sent out just before 5 p.m. asking the public to avoid the area near Randolph and Olsburg as on-lookers were said to be impeding the operations of the fire department.
11:30 p.m. update
Strong winds fueled wildfires across the northern portion of Riley and Pottawatomie counties Saturday, but heavy rains doused the area, making the firefighting a bit more manageable by nightfall.
According to the Kansas Forest Service office, the precipitation increased the humidity, however with the heavy fuels in the lake bed and surrounding area, the fire remained actively burning as of about 9 p.m. Officials utilized several aerial drops, focused on structure protection. Aviation was grounded until Sunday morning.
6:30 p.m. update
A large wildfire continues to burn out of control in northern Riley County, with authorities announcing additional evacuations may be possible.
The fire has already scorched a large swath of land north of Tuttle Creek Lake near Axelton Hill Road and destroyed at least one house. Additional damage estimates are currently pending.
At 5:45 p.m., Riley County Emergency Management announced people living to the north and west of the city of Randolph should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. This includes those living in the area between Green Randolph and Rose Hill and west to the Riley County line.
Severe storms moved through the area around 6 p.m. bringing much needed heavy rainfall. Further updates are being shared via Riley County Fire District No. 1 on Facebook.
3:30 p.m. Original story
Riley County fire officials are battling a large wildfire burning and spreading aggressively in the northern portion of the county.
As of 3 p.m. Saturday, two homes had been evacuated and 11 more were notified that evacuation may be necessary. The fire is in the area of Axelton Hill Road.
The fire started in Pottawatomie County and crossed the northern part of Tuttle Creek Lake into Riley County Friday evening. It’s been fueled by strong winds, as high as 60 mph, coupled with low humidity and dry conditions. Riley County Commission Chairman John Ford signed a local disaster emergency declaration Saturday afternoon, opening the county up to additional state resources, including air support to fight the fire.
4-6-2024 fire disaster declaration Riley CountyAdditionally, smoke may reduce visibility for drivers on Tuttle Creek Blvd/US 77 north of Randolph. Extra caution is advised.
Firefighters from numerous departments including Riley, Marshal and Clay counties, as well as Kansas Forest Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are on scene providing support and assistance. County officials say a firefighting aircraft has also been dispatched to the area.
Officials are asking anyone who burned outdoors within the past week to check and recheck those areas to avoid the potential for rekindles.
Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation Friday evening due to increased fire weather conditions.
This is a developing story and we’ll share more details as they become available.
