PAWNEE COUNTY — There is a core truth among all firefighters during the first minute on the scene: “Size up the Sitch, and Expect it to Change.” 

Such was the case for the Larned Fire Department Sunday morning when the call came in on a rural field fire south of Pawnee Rock in eastern Pawnee County. The report came in at approximately 8:27 a.m., from the Watco Pawnee Rock laydown yard located at Q Road and 80th Ave. A pile of used railroad ties was burning and the fire was threatening to spread.

For Fire Chief T.J. Hearn and his team, the task seemed simple enough, so three trucks were dispatched to the scene.

“We got out there and found a large pile of railroad ties that the railroad had been cycling out. We got it contained, but as we went ahead, we realized we were going to need a lot more water.” A request for mutual aid brought out three more trucks from the Larned station, as well as four from Garfield and two trucks from Pawnee Rock, for a total of 12 units.

“Due to the size and complexity of the incident, this was a challenging fire that required a coordinated effort,” Hearn explained. 

Crews from the laydown were available to assist with fire control as well. The fire scene was cleared shortly after 11 a.m., just as snow from an anticipated incoming storm began falling in the county.

“We want to sincerely thank the Larned Fire Auxiliary, Pawnee County EMS, Garfield Fire Department, Pawnee County Fire Department and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office,” Chief Hearn noted.