The Overland Park Fire Department said a discarded cigarette likely caused a large grass fire that broke out near US 69 and 143rd Street in Overland Park.
After 1 p.m. on Friday, multiple fire departments were called to a series of grass fires along US 69 Highway. The Overland Park Fire Department said the fires stretched from about 139th Street to 151st Street.
Firefighters used fire trucks, smaller brush fire vehicles, and shovels and brooms to extinguish the fires. The OP Fire Department said 143rd Street was briefly closed at US 69 so crews could get better access to the flames. The department said it took crews almost an hour to get the flames under control.
Crews are still on the scene putting out hotspots
The OP Fire Department said no injuries were reported and no structures were damaged. The fires were mainly in areas of heavy brush and trees.
The grass fire didn't burn the grass around the memorial for Deputy Brandon Collins, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2016.
Grass fire that swept north on 69 Hwy skipped over deputy Collins memorial near 144th. @CynthiaNewsome let's neighbors speak @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/BRxI4VeQs0
— Matthew Reeb (@MDReeb) February 10, 2017
Firefighters got some help battling the fire.
Nearby neighbors who were worried that their homes were in danger grabbed their garden hoses and started watering the grass in their front yards.
Randy Hamilton is one of the neighbors who jumped into action.
"Fire department worked mostly from the highway side, but there were some who eventually came into the neighborhood, helped us get it out," said Hamilton.
The Overland Park Fire Department said dry, windy and warm conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the grass fires.
The department also said the fire is under investigation, but a likely cause is a discarded cigarette.
Firefighters are warning people to be extremely careful if they are grilling outdoors or smoking a cigarette outside because it doesn't take much in these dry conditions to start a fire.
------
Follow 41 Action News on Twitter:
Like 41 Action News on Facebook:
