Several acres of farmland lay in ashes after a grassfire burned through south Sedgwick County this morning.

The fire started shortly before 1 a.m. just east of Derby, near 87th St. S. and 127th St. E., later spreading to 143rd St. E.

John Poe, Sedgwick County Fire Lieutenant, said fire crews originally found a half acre of wheat on fire. However, when firefighters tried to move their truck to get to blaze, their truck started to get stuck.

Fire crews were forced to call for reserve and volunteer units from surrounding areas to put the fire out with shovels and dirt, Poe said.

Eventually, the fire grew to between 20 to 30 acres. Poe said it was impossible for the flames to be put out with dirt. Firefighters allowed the flames to move to 143rd St. E., when they were able to put the rest of the flames out with water.

Only wheat was damaged in this fire. Arson is being blamed as a cause.