Animals reported uninjured in early-morning fire at KSU dairy unit

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - An early-morning fire destroyed several storage buildings and their contents early Wednesday near the Kansas State University Dairy Unit in Manhattan.

The blaze was reported at 4:05 a.m. Wednesday just north of the Kansas State campus, near College Avenue and Livestock Units Road.

Officials said crews from Riley County Fire District 1 and the Manhattan Fire Department were sent to the blaze after a passerby called 911.

As firefighters approached the scene, officials said, they observed heavy flames coming from several storage buildings north of the Kansas State University campus.

A total of 42 units responded, including volunteer firefighters and personnel from Riley County Fire District 1, Manhattan Fire Department, Kansas State University Police Department and Riley County Emergency Medical Services.

No people or animals were injured in the fire, officials said.

However, several storage buildings and contents were destroyed.

A damage estimate wasn’t immediately available.

The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kansas State University Fire Marshal were on scene investigating the cause of the blaze.

Grain and feed storage bins were continuing to smolder several hours after the blaze was reported, officials said.

As of mid-morning Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department has cleared the scene, while Riley County Fire District 1 personnel and volunteers were expected to remain for several hours to extinguish the fire fully and conduct mop-up operations.

Kansas State University staff members also were assisting with debris removal as they used heavy equipment.

“We are concerned about the high winds today and blowing embers to other parts of the surrounding K-State North Farm,” Riley County Emergency Services Director and Fire Chief Russel Stukey said. “We’ll stay on scene as long as needed to help ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Michelle Geering, Kansas State University spokeswoman, added. “The university appreciates the prompt and continued response by all emergency services involved.”

Additional details weren’t immediately available.

Check wibw.com later for more information as it becomes available.