MARSHALL COUNTY (KSNT) – Kansas forestry officials say two wildfires have burned hundreds of acres near the state’s border with Nebraska.
State Fire Management Officer Bill Waln with the Kansas Forest Service (KFS) told 27 News that forestry officials and local firefighters have been working together in recent days to douse to big wildfires in Marshall County. These include the Bicycle Bridge Fire in an area southeast of Blue Rapids and the Quail Road Fire that is burning in the Big Blue River corridor a few miles south of Marysville.
Waln said fire crews are still working to contain the Quail Road Fire. KFS personnel reported this fire is 85% contained as of 1 p.m. on March 23.
“Containment is expected to increase through today’s operational period,” Waln said. “Containment means the fire isn’t out, but firefighters have it surrounded and holding within control lines. If a fire is 85% contained, then 85% of its edge is secure, and 15% is still being worked.”
The KFS became aware of the Quail Road Fire late in the day on Saturday, March 21. Fire crews wrapped up operations on the Bicycle Bridge Fire on March 16.
Waln said the Bicycle Bridge Fire burned 635 acres while the Quail Road Fire has scorched 332 acres so far. Both fires account for a little more than 950 acres burned when combined.
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“Kansas Forest Service assisted Marshall County by providing suppression resources and highly qualified firefighters to manage the suppression operations,” Waln said when speaking about the Quail Road Fire. “Marshall County officials retained overall command of the fire, but KFS provided an Operations Section Chief to direct tactical operations on this wildfire. Kansas Forest Service also provided fire engine crews and tactical aviation resources to help keep suppress the this fire.”
The KFS said that no buildings or livestock have been lost to the Quail Road Fire. However, the fire has taken a toll on firefighters having to beat back the flames.
“The wildfire is burning in areas that are difficult to access with equipment, so much of the suppression effort required firefighters to work on foot,” Waln said. “Marshall County firefighters have been extremely busy the last 3 weeks. Kansas Forest Service was able to provide an opportunity for Marshall County Firefighter to rest.”
Waln said the KFS anticipates the Quail Road Fire will be completely contained by the end of the operation shift on Tuesday, March 24.
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