Crews were battling grass fires Thursday in central and north central areas of Kansas.

The Kansas Forest Service Air Tanker and local firefighters battled a large wildfire in Saline County, south of Interstate 70 and east of the Hedville exit.  Strong south winds drove the fire north of I-70, spreading it to Watkins Road.   Some homes were evacuated but crews were able to keep the flames from spreading, and no structural damage was reported.

Crews were also battling a large fire in Hodgeman County along Lake Road, east of City Lake.   Some homes were threatened in the area and the Sheriff’s Office was warning people to be ready for evacuations but the fire was contained around 6:15 p.m.

[ photo:  KHP Trooper Ben Gardner in Saline County – X ]