The Riley County Police Department said more than 16 homes were threatened Monday but none were lost in the southern part of the county. The fire started in the median of Hwy 177 near Deep Creek Road on Monday. It spread quickly to surrounding areas and burned about 300-400 acres. The Kansas Forest Service contracted aircraft are making water drops coordinated by personnel on scene. The Riley County Board of Commissioners declared a local disaster emergency for the county, activating disaster emergency plans to fight the fires along Deep Creek Road. As of 2:40 p.m., the fire was 75% contained.
