Wildfire forces home evacuations in Riley County

RILEY COUNTY (KSNT) - Riley County officials warn a wildfire is "burning and spreading aggressively" Saturday afternoon.

The Riley County government issued a press release April 6 informing locals of a large wildfire in the northern part of the county. Two homes have been evacuated with 11 more facing possible evacuations Saturday.

Riley County Public Information Officer Vivienne Leyva says the fire began in Pottawatomie County, crossing over to the northern end of Tuttle Creek Lake and into Riley County Friday night. Current weather conditions such as wind gusts and lots of dry fuel, are expected to contribute to the growth of wildfires in the area.

Riley County Commission Chairman John Ford has signed a declaration for a local disaster emergency in the county Saturday afternoon. The declaration will allow local emergency services to request more help from state resources to fight the fire. The wildfire is being contained with help from firefighters from Riley, Marshall and Clay Counties along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Forest Service.

Leyva says smoke from the fire may bring visibility down for drivers in the north part of Riley County in the areas of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and U.S. 77 Highway north of Randolph. People are asked to be cautious when driving through these areas.

Governor Laura Kelly signed a disaster declaration emergency due to increased fire weather conditions on Friday, April 5. This declaration brings additional state resources to bear against wildfires statewide.

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