Containment of Bent County Prairie Fire Continues
VPG | Apr 10, 2011 | Comments 0

the fire near county road JJ in Bent County on Sunday

the fire seen from the Prowers Bridge over the Arkansas River on Sunday

Sunday fire viewed westbound along highway 50
Update – An estimated 7,000 acres situated north of the Arkansas River in Bent County and an undetermined amount south of the river have been scorched since Saturday afternoon, when a fast-moving fire broke out shortly after 1pm.
11 homes north of CR JJ in Hasty were evacuated as a precaution earlier Sunday afternoon, when flames approached John Martin Dam, and according to the CSP officer restricting vehicle entrance to the dam area, came very close to the state park visitor center. The residents have since been allowed to return to their homes as the fires were contained in that area and moved westward.
The Bent County fire was about 80% contained last night and highway 50, which had been blocked off yesterday afternoon, reopened to traffic at 7pm. Fire crews continued mop-up operations and watched for hot spots on the prairie.
Because of increased winds on Sunday, the scene repeated itself with a multi-coordination of numerous fire departments called out to try to extinguish the fire completely. Some structures were reported burned, but none were houses. Two firefighters from the Wiley fire department reportedly received minor injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation. The cause of the weekend fire is still under investigation.
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