Firefighters from multiple rural fire districts in Saline, McPherson, and Dickinson Counties, and the Saline Fire Department battled a large grass fire just east of Salina Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Saline County Administrator Hannah Stambaugh told KSAL News a fire was reported at around 2:00 in the area of Simpson Road and Magnolia Road. Multiple first responders converged on the  area, where the fire was spreading rapidly.

Hambaugh says all six Saline County RFDs  responded, and mutual aid was requested from Dickinson County, McPherson County, and the Salina Fire Department.

They were able to contain the fire within about an hour.

Stambaugh estimated about 100 acres burned. There were no injuries, and there was no damage to any structures.

Stambaugh added that though the fire was contained, units would remain on scene  for quite some time.

The National Weather Service says strong south winds and dry low levels elevated the fire danger into the extreme category for much of the area.

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UPDATE (3:40 p.m., Wednesday) The fire just east of Salina has been contained.

The fire, which broke out around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, was near the intersection of Magnolia Rd. and S. Simpson Rd. Fire crews say that 200 acres burned prior to crews containing the blaze.

Fire crews from all of the Saline County Rural Fire Districts responded to the brush fire, as well as the assist from crews in Dickinson and McPherson counties, as well as the Salina Fire Department.

First responders had asked the public to stay away from areas east of Markley Rd., near Magnolia and S. Simpson Rds.

Conditions remain favorable for grassland fire development according to the National Weather Service as Saline County remains under a Wind Advisory until 4 a.m. Thursday. Similar weather conditions are expected Thursday afternoon for Central Kansas, which means grassland fire chances remain high.

ORIGINAL: Saline County Emergency Management is asking the public to avoid areas east of Salina due to a fire that has broke out.

As of 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, fire crews are working a grass fire just to the east of Salina. First responders are asking that traffic avoid Magnolia Rd. east of Markley Rd. to Simpson Rd.

For any questions, call 785-714-0389.

The National Weather Service has warned that due to dry, windy and warmer than normal conditions, elements are right for the growth of brush fires across parts of the state on Wednesday. While Saline County is not included in a Red Flag warning issued by the agency, the county is under a Wind Advisory until 4 a.m. on Thursday.

KSAL News will have more information as it becomes available.