As the high winds and dry weather increase across Kansas and the four-state area, fire departments warn of the risk of dangerous fires.

 

Fire crews in Ark City were called out for two house fires yesterday. The first occurred at a vacant home that was also the site of a fire on March 3. A person of interest has been taken into custody in connection to that fire.

 

Just a few hours later, Ark City Fire was called to a different location to battle another house fire. A mutual aid call was issued to bring in additional firefighters to extinguish the blaze. All occupants of the house were able to escape safely and no injuries were reported.

 

Area residents are advised to be extremely careful with anything that might cause a fire for the next week and to avoid any outdoor burning during this time of high fire risk.

 

(Photo courtesy Arkansas City FIre/EMS)