Grass Fires Lead To Evacuations Near Jennings

At least three separate grass fires are burning in parts of Pawnee County, burning around 500 acres.

More than 20 fire departments are working to get the fires under control.

However, the fire near Jennings is in a very rural area that is difficult to get to.

Authorities evacuated about 40 homes on 5800 Road between 36200 Road and 36400 Road.

They say no structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported so far.

The Town of Jennings opened the senior center for those who had to evacuate.

One couple who spoke with News On 6 says they were able to get their pets out of their home and head north away from the fire.

“We just ran to the house and got our pets, and medication, and important papers and things that we would need and left, and we’ve been sitting here, basically.  Just sitting here,” the couple said.  “Watching Channel 6 on Facebook and I thought, ‘well, do I want to keep sitting here watching and possible watch our house go up in flames?’  And I thought, ‘probably not,’ because I just couldn’t take it if I were to see it.”

That couple has been forced from their home before, when there were fires a few years ago near Terlton.  They hope that they can get lucky and have a place to go home, like they did last time.