The Great Bend Fire Department issued this news release this morning:

At approximately 6:45 on Thursday night Great Bend Fire Department responded to the 300 block of north Hwy 281 for the report of a grass fire.  Upon arrival GBFD units found a grass fire that had spread to a large group of trees and one structure with another residence being threatened by the fast spreading fire.  The structure that burned was being lived in at the time.  With the winds blowing 25-30 mph gusting to 40 mph additional resources were requested from Ellinwood Fire, Hoisington Fire and Albert Fire to assist with extinguishing the fire.  Great Bend Fire would like to also acknowledge the Barton County Sheriff’s Office for providing traffic control, Barton County 911 and Barton County Road and Bridge for providing manpower and heavy equipment.  GBFD units remained onscene throughout the night to monitor the area and extinguish any areas that reignited.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.