Wildfire in Reno, Kansas

A wildfire burned 5,400 acres east of the Hutchinson Airport, near the intersection of 17th Avenue and Obee Road. It was likely started by a lightning strike from thunderstorms early that afternoon. 300-400 people were evacuated from a 21 square-mile area between 3-10 pm. The fire was well contained by 8 pm, but was not fully extinguished until late Saturday afternoon, April 1st. The fire destroyed 5 houses and 20 outbuildings, and numerous campers, automobiles and farm implements were damaged or destroyed. Most of the damaged large structures were located along 17th Avenue. Thankfully, no one was injured.