An investigation is underway following an unapproved grass fire that destroyed a home near Manhattan last week.
According to Riley County Public Information Officer Vivienne Leyva, fire crews from both Manhattan and Riley County Fire District No. 1 were dispatched around 7 p.m. on April 5 to the out-of-control grass fire at 200 Waterbridge Road, a rural property adjacent to the city south of Anneberg Park, owned by Ward and Brenda Morgan. An unoccupied single-family home on the property was destroyed, but no injuries have been reported. Damage to the home, including vehicles and equipment stored in the garage, is estimated at $700,000.
The Manhattan Fire Department was able to determine the grass fire had started on a neighbor’s property, got out of control and ignited the home. Crews from MFD were unable to reach the fire with structural apparatus due to steep terrain and narrow dirt roads and didn’t have adequate water supply to extinguish the fire. Both fire departments were eventually able to contain the fire. The home is considered a total loss.
A burn ban was in place for Riley County on April 5, due to high winds.
The State Fire Marshal and Riley County Police Department are investigating the incident.
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