Barton/Stafford County line wildfire caused by tree struck by lightning

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — In an update provided by the Stafford County Fire Department , a wildfire on the Barton/Stafford County line late Monday afternoon was caused by a tree that was struck by lightning several days ago that fell over, lighting the field on fire.

According to the SCFD, crews reported to the report of a brush fire in the 1000 block of NE 190th St.

Smoke from the wildfire was visible on the Great Bend SkyView and Storm Track 3 radar around 4:20 p.m.

“We have the winds that are coming in from the south-southwest at about 26 mph, so these types of winds make it difficult for firefighters to grab ahold of this fire,” said KSN Chief Meteorologist Lisa Teachman. “And because of those south-southwesterly winds that are taking that smoke plume up to the Bushton area and just to the south of Holyrood.”

Crews battled the fire for over four hours.

Responding stations included Hudson, Seward, Radium and Stafford. The Rice County Fire Department also assisted. Ellinwood Fire Department was requested for mutual aid.

“We can’t express enough how important it is that different Departments work together. This is just another example of the citizens of all counties involved benefiting by a good working relationship with neighboring departments. Again we would like to thank Ellinwood Fire and Rice County Fire,” said the SCFD. “We are proud to serve the citizens of Stafford County and our neighboring departments when needed.”

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