By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigation continues into the three major wildfires that burned areas east of Hutchinson in the past week. All three fires were caused by smoldering brush piles that may not have been properly tended to.
The fires may change the way the county deals with that type of burning.
“There was a committee put together to look at the existing ordinance and if there’s better ways and alternatives to do business with that burn ordinance within Reno County,” Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer said. “That group wrapped up December's meeting with recommendations that are being put together. These recommendations will be presented to the Reno County Board of Commissioners in the near future.”
Beer says that when any type of burning is done it is the responsibility of the landowner to make sure that the smoldering brush pile is tended to until the fire is completely out. He says that there could even be legal action coming to those who are found responsible for such fires:
“It’s the responsibility of the landowner, '' Beer said. “If you’re going to light up 70 brush piles or whatever, you have to maintain them. That’s your responsibility and if they get away from you you’re going to be held liable.”
The county has been pushing to have property owners clear out trees and other debris from the areas prone to wildfires in order to protect their homes and property, but disposing of those trees also adds to the problem if not done properly.