Grass fire east of Wellington burns hay bales, 600 acres
Sumner Newscow report — A grass fire got out of control at 2:57 p.m. on Dec. 30 at 930 E. 10th Avenue, east of the Exit 33 Kansas Turnpike Association gate.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a grass fire out of control, moving rapidly to the north due to high winds. It was burning around hay bales and a structure when they arrived. The grass fire proceeded to burn 600 acres and move almost two miles north before it was under control at 5:31 p.m. Firefighters remained on site until 7:50 p.m.
Kevin Beggs was the owner/occupant of the property. According to the Wellington Fire/EMS press release, he was burning trash at the time when the fire spread due to the wind. There was an estimated $2,500 loss to hay bales in the area.
There were 18 fire personnel on the scene from five fire departments including: Belle Plaine, Oxford, Mayfield, Winfield and Wellington.
