Smokey Hill Wind Farm Fire Entrapment 2011

At 1543 hours on Saturday, January 29, 2011, a privately conducted prescribed burn escaped control, and Lincoln County authorities were notified of a wildfire on K-14 highway, 2 miles north of I-70, near the Smoky Hill Wind Farm. The fire spread quickly, eventually reaching 400 acres, and requiring the response of 120 firefighters operating 45 pieces of fire apparatus and supporting equipment. All 7 fire departments in Lincoln County were committed, and assisted by another 5 VFD’s from Ellsworth County. During initial suppression efforts, two firefighters in a brush truck (type 6 engine) experienced vehicle difficulties and became disabled in front of the fire, and subsequently sustained serious burns.