DICKINSON COUNTY —A controlled burn in the 500 Block of Old Highway 40 in Dickson County got out of control and temporarily shut down portions of Interstate 70 on Sunday.
Just before 12:30p.m. sheriff's deputies responded to Interstate 70 near Fair Road after report of the out of control grass fire, according to Dickinson County Sheriff's Sgt. Brent Gering.
Solomon Fire Department was first to arrive on scene and quickly requested mutual aid. Grant Township Fire Department and Abilene Fire Department responded to assist.
Due to high winds blowing north, the fire moved rapidly across a field, causing large amounts of smoke to cross Interstate 70 resulting in zero visibility.
Due to the smoke, two non-injury motor vehicle accidents occurred. Each accident involved three vehicles. The Kansas Highway Patrol, Abilene Police Department and Chapman Police Department responded to Interstate 70 and assisted the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office with closing Interstate 70 between Solomon Road and Abilene.
East and westbound traffic was temporarily diverted to allow a safe area for firefighters to work and to prevent further accidents.
Multiple Fire Departments from across the region assisted including Saline County Districts 1 and 5, Fort Riley Fire Department, Grant Township Fire Department, Solomon Fire Department, Longford Rural Fire Department, Ottawa County Fire Department, Dickinson County District 1 Fire Department and Abilene Fire Department.
The fire was extinguished just before 3p.m. and Interstate 70 reopened for normal traffic, according to Gering.
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DICKINSON COUNTY —Firefighters responded to a Dickinson County grass fire Sunday afternoon.
Authorities have released few details. Kansas Department of Transportation officials did issue a smoke hazard alert for drivers traveling both directions on Interstate 70 west of Abilene to Solomon. Crews from Saline, Ottawa and Dickinson County were assisting. The fire was reported under control just after 2:30p.m.
Check the Post for more information as it becomes availalble.