Strong winds and dry conditions helped spread a number of grass fires Thursday afternoon in rural Lancaster County.
The first fire was reported in the area of S.W. 112th and W. Pioneers. Lancaster County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Ben Houchin tells KLIN News that seven fires broke out in total.
The fire near Pioneers is now contained and the evacuation order has been lifted, but residents are asked to avoid the area due to the smoke.
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- Photos: Tom Stanton, KLIN News
Firefighters also battled two fires near Denton and another near Crete. LSO said fires at N.W. 140th and W. Adams and S.W. 140th and W. Rokeby have been contained.
The evacuation order for the area of S.W. 100th and Wittstruck Road has not yet lifted, although the fire is contained, but crews remain on the scene to monitor hot spots.
Officials are reminding residents not to burn and to avoid tossing cigarettes outside while the dry and windy conditions continue. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 9:00 p.m. Thursday. Winds could gust to near 50 miles per hours, making fire containment difficult.