Wildfire near Willard is under control, residents may return home
UPDATE: The wildfire near Willard is under control and residents may return back to their homes, according to Alan Stahl with the Topeka Fire Department.
MAPLE HILL, Kan. (KSNT) - The Topeka Fire Department is warning people to avoid western Shawnee County due to a large dangerous fire.
People in Maple Hill and Willard were asked to evacuate and go to Rossville.
Less than an hour later, the Maple Hill Police Department said people are not evacuating at this time.
Just before 4 p.m., the Wabaunsee County Emergency Manager gave the city of Maple Hill the "all-clear."
People in Willard were still asked to evacuate, and are asked to go to the Rossville Library at 407 Main Street. Red Cross will be there to assist.
If you're received an emergency alert on your phone saying anyone evacuated from Willard can return, that is not true. The fire is not controlled as of 5 p.m.
NE Kansas KDOT said traffic is pretty backed up on I-70 due to the fire. KDOT said to avoid U.S. 24/U.S. 75 and I-70 if possible.
The below video is from viewer Steven Alvey of fire trucks headed to the fire.
Multiple emergency crews were originally on the scene of the fire near I-70 and Carlson Road. That's near Maple Hill.
The fire was reported before 2 p.m. Friday.
Photos
Weather Radar of Smoke
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as they become available.