© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Grass Fire Closes Missouri 92 In Platte County, East of Leavenworth

Southern Platte Fire Protection District

Updated, 4:10 p.m. Thursday.

A grass fire continues to spread in Platte County.

Some 1,300 acres are now involved, said Southern Platte Fire Protection District Division Chief Chris Denney of the fire that began around 10 a.m.

“(The) wind is still super strong out there,” Denney said shortly before 4 p.m.

Fire crews from several metro-area agencies have been on scene most of the day. Denney said while they’ve been able to stop the spread of the fire in some directions, it’s still growing to the north and east. An area being used for water distribution had to be evacuated as the fire spread.

A cause has not yet been identified. A burn ban remains in effect as dry, windy conditions persist.

“Make sure you contain your burning materials,” Denney advised. “Don’t dispose of them outdoors. Do not do any open burning in times like this. The dry vegetation can take off in a hurry.”

Denney expected it would be late evening before the fire was extinguished.

The original post continues below.

Firefighters from multiple metro-area agencies are battling a large grass fire in Platte County near Centennial Bridge, which connects Missouri 92 with Leavenworth, Kansas.

Southern Platte Fire Protection District Division Chief Chris Denney says more than 50 acres are involved. Firefighters responded after a call came in around 10 a.m. The area had been under a burn ban due to dry weather.

“If the wind would die down, we’d  have a better handle on it,” Denney says.

He says firefighters are being rotated out so they can get water and refreshments.

Kansas City and Leavenworth firefighters are among those on scene. Denney says the fire is moving toward the state line and could cross into Leavenworth.

Missouri 92 is closed from the Missouri 45 spur to Beverly, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Elle Moxley is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.

Elle Moxley covered education for KCUR.
KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and award-winning podcasts.
Your donation helps keep nonprofit journalism free and available for everyone.