(RILEY COUNTY, KS – 7:45 PM April 7, 2024) Multiple agencies continue to actively fight the Axelton Hill Road fire which is quickly advancing north along the riverbed north of Tuttle Creek Lake in Riley and Pottawatomie Counties.
Several homes are being threatened, and evacuations were issued at 6:00 PM to protect the safety of residents on Halls Ravine Road east to the county line and Bjorling Road north to the county line. This evacuation area includes, but is not limited to, Redbud Acres, Swede Creek Road, Cleburne Road, Vilander, and everything east.
The evacuated area is off limits and Riley County Police Department officers are on scene to control access. One home was destroyed by fire Saturday, and thankfully no additional homes on the Riley County side have been lost to fire at this point.
Anyone living north of the city of Randolph should stay aware and be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Additional evacuations have been issued in Pottawatomie County.
Firefighters from multiple agencies remain on scene and the state is providing air assets including National Guard helicopters to fight this fire.
Thank you to all the firefighters, volunteers, and personnel fighting to keep the community safe.
Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD#1) provides fire protection and emergency response in the unincorporated areas of Riley County, Kansas, including Leonardville, Ogden, and Randolph. Additionally, the department offers supplementary support to the City of Manhattan and the City of Riley. Covering approximately 500 square miles of suburban and rural terrain, this dedicated team responds to wildfires, brush fires, structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, road hazards, gas leaks, and other disasters. Dispatched by Riley County 911, the 15 strategically located fire stations, staffed by over 120 volunteer firefighters, ensure around-the-clock emergency response and risk reduction for the community.
