FRANKFORT, KS – Firefighting crews in Marshall County are continuing to monitor the aftermath of a massive wildfire that scorched approximately 1,000 acres along the Black Vermillion River last week.
The blaze, dubbed the Bicycle Bridge Fire, was first reported on March 12 in a rural area south of Frankfort. While the fire’s spread has been halted, officials remain on-site as heavy debris continues to smolder.
Aerial and Ground Assault
Suppression efforts faced significant hurdles due to a large accumulation of flood debris along the riverbanks. To combat the intense heat and difficult terrain, the following resources were mobilized:
- Aerial Support: On March 13, a helicopter equipped with a water bucket was called in to target interior hot spots. The aircraft dropped approximately 90 buckets of water over the burn area.
- Heavy Machinery: The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) provided heavy equipment to clear “large, dead, and downed debris” that had been fueling the flames.
Ongoing Monitoring
The Kansas Forest Service noted that the sheer volume of debris has made the fire particularly stubborn. Although the perimeter is stable, Marshall County Emergency Management confirmed that teams are still watching the area closely.
No injuries or structure losses have been reported at this time.
