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Rural fire crews battle large NE Kansas blaze

Screen Shot 2015-03-13 at 9.32.03 PMMANHATTAN -A grass fire estimated to be in excess of 120-acres in Riley County near the Riley, Geary, Wabaunsee County line occurred on Friday afternoon.

The rural fire chief for Geary County, Garry Berges, said the blaze was down in pasture land where there are a lot of trees. “Also that’s where oil fields are right there along the interstate.” Berges confirmed approximately 15-20 large hay bales burned. A house was threatened but the fire did not reach it. He reported that an electrical problem beside, or at one of the pumps started the grass on fire, and then it spread before anyone knew about it.

Berges noted Geary County had two fire units, two command vehicles, and ten firefighters on the scene battling the blaze. They were called to the scene about 2:30 p.m. He noted wind was a problem, and a portion of the fire was down in a woody ravine area where it was impossible to reach.

There were no injuries.

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