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Riley County responders describe weekend wildland fires; volunteers credited, declaration not extended
Summary
Riley County emergency responders told commissioners that multiple wildland fires over the weekend strained local crews, that state and neighboring counties provided resources, and that volunteers and prescribed-burn crews helped prevent injuries; staff said there is no need to continue the local disaster declaration past today.
Chair (speaker 4) opened the meeting and invited public comment. Russell Stuckey, Riley County emergency service director and fire chief, described a string of weekend incidents that began Friday afternoon and into Saturday and Sunday, saying the county logged multiple calls and that crews were "stretched thin." He said the county made a disaster declaration early Friday evening to request state help.
"We had a lot of calls starting at 11:32…we did a disaster declaration around 5 between 5 and 06:00 that asked for resources from the state and got resources," Stuckey said, adding that the situation looked better on Monday morning.
A responder identified in the discussion as Doug said crews faced difficult terrain on calls near residential areas and credited outside assistance, including Dickinson and Shawnee County task forces, forestry staff and a fire marshal. "There was a group that was burning 800 acres from our burn, east to Highland Ridge…they came over and actually helped us put out fire on our side," Doug said.
Commissioners and staff praised volunteers and mutual-aid partners, and Stuckey emphasized that most prescribed burns do not require county response. "The ones that get out of control are a relatively small percentage of the ones that actually occurred," he said.
When Stuckey and staff discussed whether to continue the declaration, Stuckey told commissioners there was "no need to continue the declaration past today." The commission took no new formal vote or ordinance on the floor during public comment regarding the declaration; commissioners directed staff to remain available and thanked responders.
Why this matters: County wildfire activity affects public safety, local budgets and mutual-aid planning. Commissioners heard that state assistance was obtained and that volunteers and neighboring jurisdictions played a critical role in containment. The county will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with partners.
Next steps: Commissioners and emergency management staff said they will maintain readiness if conditions change and will coordinate any future requests for assistance through established mutual-aid channels.
