Significant Progress Made to Contain the Evergreen Recycle Fire

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – With the help of the Kansas Army National Guard, Sedgwick County Fire District #1 (SCFD #1) made significant progress today toward controlling the fire that has burned since Sunday night, June 23, 2024, at Evergreen Recycle, 302 W. 53^RD St. N. in Park City. As part of state resources authorized by yesterday’s Local Disaster Emergency Declaration, a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter based out of Salina made 15 aerial water drops over the fire, dumping about 9,000 gallons total. The helicopter refilled its 600-gallon bucket each time from a lake on Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) property near K-96, often referred to as KDOT East. The air operation ended after about two hours - much earlier than expected, since the water drops successfully knocked down a large part of the fire. SCFD #1 crews on the ground have resumed the firefight.

“I am cautiously optimistic that we now have the upper hand on this fire, and the threat to nearby homes and businesses is much lower,” said Sedgwick County Fire Marshal Brad Crisp. “But there are still piles of wood burning or smoldering, so our work is not over. Crews will remain on the scene until the fire is declared under control and we’re sure no hot spots are going to flare up again.” 

-end-