By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays Fire Department responded to multiple fire incidents in the lead-up to and on Independence Day.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department handled six fire-related calls from July 2 to July 4, including dumpster fires, grass fires and a vehicle fire sparked by spent fireworks in a truck bed.

The grass fires in Hays occurred at 17th and General Custer Road, the north end of Van Buren Drive, and 22nd and Wheatland Avenue. The vehicle fire occurred on the 1500 block of General Custer Road, according to Preston.

Preston said this year had fewer reports than previous years. He said favorable weather and increased public safety awareness may have contributed to limiting more serious incidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751902451563.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays Fire Department responded to multiple fire incidents in the lead-up to and on Independence Day.Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department handled six fire-related calls from July 2 to July 4, including dumpster fires, grass fires and a vehicle fire sparked by spent fireworks in a truck bed. The grass fires in Hays occurred at 17th and General Custer Road, the north end of Van Buren Drive, and 22nd and Wheatland Avenue. The vehicle fire occurred on the 1500 block of General Custer Road, according to Preston.Preston said this year had fewer reports than previous years. He said favorable weather and increased public safety awareness may have contributed to limiting more serious incidents.

Fourth of July fireworks spark small fires in Hays