On Friday, October 18th, Geary County Fire was alerted to a large fire near US-77 Hwy and Skiddy West Road in Southwest Geary County. Upon arrival, firefighters found the blaze spreading rapidly north due to strong winds, threatening several residences and farm structures. Geary County dispatched ten fire units and two support units, with additional resources from Junction City Fire, Ft. Riley, and other nearby departments. Kansas Forestry also sent Tanker 95, which made six water drops to assist the ground units in controlling the fire.

By 8:22 pm, the fire was under control, with Marion County Fire Task taking over overnight monitoring. A total of 35 fire units, including pumper trucks, brush units, and water tankers, were involved in the suppression efforts. Local farmers and ranchers provided critical support by moving cattle and supplying additional water.

Although eight farms were threatened, no structures were lost. However, the fire took the life of a calf and destroyed a semi-flatbed trailer, 1,550 large round bales of hay, and numerous fence posts, gates, and barbed wire, resulting in an estimated $122,000 in damages. No injuries were reported, and the fire’s cause remains undetermined despite an investigation.