Several storage buildings were destroyed in an early Wednesday morning fire near the Kansas State University Dairy Unit, prompting a large response from local emergency agencies.
Riley County Fire District No. 1 and the Manhattan Fire Department were dispatched at approximately 4:05 a.m. after a passerby reported a structure fire near the dairy unit. As crews arrived, firefighters observed heavy flames coming from multiple storage buildings north of the Kansas State University campus.
A total of 42 units responded to the scene, including volunteer firefighters and personnel from Riley County Fire District No. 1, the Manhattan Fire Department, Kansas State University Police Department and Riley County Emergency Medical Services.
No injuries to people or animals were reported.
Several storage buildings and their contents were destroyed. Officials have not yet determined a damage estimate.
The Kansas State Fire Marshal and Kansas State University Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the fire.
As of Thursday morning, grain and feed storage bins continued to smolder. The Manhattan Fire Department has cleared the scene, but Riley County Fire District No. 1 personnel and volunteers are expected to remain for several hours to extinguish remaining hot spots and conduct mop-up operations. Kansas State University staff are assisting with debris removal using heavy equipment.
“We are concerned about the high winds today and blowing embers to other parts of the surrounding K-State North Farm,” Riley County Emergency Services Director and Fire Chief Russel Stukey said. “We’ll stay on scene as long as needed to help ensure that doesn’t happen.”
“The university appreciates the prompt and continued response by all emergency services involved,” said Michelle Geering, spokesperson for Kansas State University.
