For Immediate Release
Sedgwick County, CO — A wildland fire that ignited in Sedgwick County was successfully contained and fully extinguished due to the rapid, coordinated response of multiple agencies, fire departments, communications centers, medical services, and community partners from across the region.
Emergency response, dispatch, and medical standby assistance was provided by WYCOM, Phillips County, Sterling, and Sedgwick County Communications Centers, along with Sedgwick County Ambulance.
Fire suppression efforts included personnel and apparatus from the Sedgwick, Ovid, Julesburg, Haxtun, Crook, Merino, Peetz, Fleming, Otis, Wray, Yuma, Sterling, Chappell, and Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) Fire Departments.
The Colorado State Patrol responded to assist with evacuations, scene support, and the subsequent investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office also extends sincere appreciation to local farmers, who responded quickly and provided multiple tractors equipped with disks, which were instrumental in establishing fire breaks and helping contain the spread of the fire.
The fire was successfully contained within the boundaries of Interstate 76, Highway 59, County Road 18, and County Road 19. Due to the swift response and effective coordination of all involved, no structures were damaged or lost, and no injuries were reported.
Following containment of the fire, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received a tip along with video footage showing a semi-truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 76 near mile marker 165 while dragging the lowered landing gear of the trailer, producing sparks that ignited the prairie fire.
While conducting patrols in search of the suspect vehicle, Chief Deputy Brettell located the semi-truck parked on the eastbound Julesburg on-ramp near mile marker 180. Sheriff Quayle and Deputy Clark responded to assist. After further investigation, the driver was charged in connection with setting fire to the prairie, and the semi-truck and trailer were impounded as evidence.
The successful outcome of this incident reflects:
• The prompt and professional response of regional fire departments
• The critical role of communications centers
• The assistance of Sedgwick County Ambulance for medical readiness
• The support of the Colorado State Patrol in emergency response and investigation
• The essential contribution of local agricultural partners, whose equipment helped contain the fire
• The skilled investigative work of Chief Deputy Brettell
• The relentless efforts of Deputy Clark, who assisted in both fire suppression with the Julesburg Fire Department AND the investigation which led to the apprehension of the suspect
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to all agencies, firefighters, dispatchers, medical personnel, and community members who assisted in this incident.
— Sheriff Koby Quayle
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office