Planes and helicopters sent to large wildfire in Reno and Harvey counties in Kansas

No injuries have been reported in the large wildfire, being called the Cottonwood Complex Fires, that burned Saturday afternoon in Reno and Harvey counties, according to Harvey County spokesperson Kyle McCaskey.

“One structure has been destroyed in the fire in Harvey County,” McCaskey said in a news release at 6:22 p.m.

Several agencies have responded to help, including the Kansas Army National Guard, which sent two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with collapsible water buckets.

McCaskey said the fire started around 12:30 p.m. around East Fourth Avenue and North Willison Road in Reno County.

High winds from the west, including gusts in the 40s, pushed the fire into Harvey County. People in a large area around Burrton from Highway 50 and to the north were ordered to evacuate around 2:50 p.m.

An emergency shelter was set up at Burrton High School, 105 E. Lincoln, and at the Salvation Army Food Distribution Center at 700 N. Walnut in Hutchinson. Donations of food, water and other supplies can be dropped off at Hutchinson Fire Department’s building at 3201 E. 4th Avenue.

Late into the afternoon, firefighters worked to save houses in rural areas north of Highway 50. Homes could be seen intact while the ground around it was charred. Planes, including a crop duster, flew around dousing the flames.

Some of the costs for the response will be covered by federal funds.

The Kansas Department of Emergency Management has been approved for a FEMA grant that provides a 75% federal cost-share with the state paying the rest.

A National Weather Service meteorologist said a wind chill that moved into the area, along with the high winds dropping after sunset, should make fire suppression easier.

This story was originally published March 5, 2022 at 7:47 PM.