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A grass fire erupted in Sumner County on Monday, December 16, 2024, after a two-vehicle collision sent a power pole crashing to the ground, sparking flames that spread across a nearby field. First responders from Mulvane Fire and EMS arrived at the intersection of 119th Street and Greenwich Road just after 4:30 p.m., where they found a brush fire, a sheared-off power pole, and multiple live wires dangling in two directions.
According to officials, the initial report indicated that people were trapped inside one of the vehicles, which was on fire, and that live power lines were down. However, by the time crews arrived, both drivers had already escaped their cars. The crash also caused a secondary fire about a block south of the collision, where another power pole was burning. A nearby house sustained damage from an electrical short inside a wall, though no injuries were reported.
Firefighters faced a challenging situation: the downed power lines were still carrying electricity, preventing them from fully extinguishing the grass fire until utility crews could cut the power. Evergy arrived on scene and shut off the lines, allowing firefighters to douse the flames completely. The fire was contained within two hours, and no structures were lost.
“The quick response from multiple agencies prevented a much larger wildfire,” said a spokesperson for Sumner County Emergency Management. “We are grateful that no one was hurt and that the downed lines were handled safely.” The official added that the department is investigating the cause of the crash, which appears to be a minor rear-end collision that escalated due to speed.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Derby Fire Department, Sumner County Fire 9, Cowley County Fire District IV, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, Mulvane Police, Mulvane Dispatch, Sumner County Emergency Management, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. Mutual aid agreements were activated to ensure adequate coverage for other emergencies in the area.
As of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, crews remain on site to repair the damaged power poles and restore electricity to the affected area. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution when approaching intersections with downed power lines and to never exit their vehicles near live wires. In the event of a crash involving a power pole, staying inside the car until utility crews arrive is the safest action.
This incident highlights the risks of secondary fires caused by vehicle collisions. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 340 grass fires per year in the U.S. are sparked by vehicle accidents involving power lines. Sumner County has seen a slight uptick in such incidents this year, prompting local fire departments to conduct additional training on live-wire fires.
Exclusive to this report: fire officials noted that the grass fire spread rapidly due to dry conditions and high winds on Monday afternoon. A wind advisory was in effect for the area, with gusts up to 40 mph. The combination of dry grass and strong winds made the fire difficult to control until the power was shut off. The same weather pattern is expected to continue through the week, raising the risk of additional brush fires.
Residents in the vicinity of 119th and Greenwich Road were advised to avoid the area while cleanup continued. The intersection is expected to reopen by Thursday evening. For those living nearby, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office recommends checking smoke detectors and having an evacuation plan ready in case of future fires.
The two drivers involved in the crash were not identified, but officials confirmed that neither required medical transport. One vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, while the other had a broken rear bumper. The driver of the vehicle that struck the power pole was cited for failure to maintain control.
This article was updated on December 18, 2024, with new information from the Sumner County Emergency Management director. The director emphasized that the incident serves as a reminder for all drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially during adverse weather conditions.
