Heroes in the flames

First responders combat devastating wildfires in Pottawatomie County.

  • After working hard to douse the fires, a Red Cedar bursts into flames reaching far above the surrounding trees. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
    After working hard to douse the fires, a Red Cedar bursts into flames reaching far above the surrounding trees. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
  • Wildfires continued to burn well into the night, Friday, Mar. 14, 2025. While doing a ride-along with Sheriff Deputy Travis Palmer, the Countywide & Sun was told as many as 10 fires were being fought simultaneously in Pottawatomie County. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
    Wildfires continued to burn well into the night, Friday, Mar. 14, 2025. While doing a ride-along with Sheriff Deputy Travis Palmer, the Countywide & Sun was told as many as 10 fires were being fought simultaneously in Pottawatomie County. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
  • McLoud Assistant Principal Trey Aubert (left) and Mayor Daniel McClure (in the bus) are ready to load patients for the evacuation. Aubert also drove one of the buses. Photo provided
    McLoud Assistant Principal Trey Aubert (left) and Mayor Daniel McClure (in the bus) are ready to load patients for the evacuation. Aubert also drove one of the buses. Photo provided
  • A tree on Clear Pond Road continued to glow Friday evening after the fire jumped the road and continued further North and East. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
    A tree on Clear Pond Road continued to glow Friday evening after the fire jumped the road and continued further North and East. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
  • Drone operator Carson Cannon captures an arial view of the fire damage where it jumped Hwy. 102 and moved toward Steelman Estates. Photo courtesy of Carson Cannon
    Drone operator Carson Cannon captures an arial view of the fire damage where it jumped Hwy. 102 and moved toward Steelman Estates. Photo courtesy of Carson Cannon
  • After working hard to douse the fires, a Red Cedar bursts into flames reaching far above the surrounding trees. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
    After working hard to douse the fires, a Red Cedar bursts into flames reaching far above the surrounding trees. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
    The gale-force winds, combined with the dry vegetation, made for a perfect storm on Friday, Mar. 14. But, thanks to all of our first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, emergency management, county commissioners, municipality officials, tribal partners, and volunteers across the county, Pottawatomie came through with much better outcomes than some of our neighboring communities...

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