By Jennifer Stultz

Tri-County Tribune Editor

jstultz@cherryroad.com

Pratt County fire crews responded to grass fires burning north of Medicine Lodge near U.S. Highway 281 on Wednesday afternoon, sending tanker trucks from several departments, according to Pratt County Emergency Management Director B.J. Hayes.

“We have people from Township 12, Sawyer, Cullison, and Pratt County headed that way. There may be more,” Hayes said. “We are still working to coordinate information.”

According to Leisa Mauch with the Kansas Department of Transportation, U.S. 160 is closed between the Barber County and Comanche County line (18 miles east of the Coldwater area) and US 281 (near Medicine Lodge). Fire crews from these counties are also involved in fighting the early spring blazes.

KDOT reports indicate that a fire is encroaching on U.S. 281 north of Medicine Lodge, as well. This location is south of the Pratt County line.

Winds are sustained above 25 miles per hour as of 2 p.m. and are adding to the ongoing problem.