11/20/17 Arson blamed for brush fire west of Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) — A brush fire that sent plumes of smoke towering over Topeka was likely arson.

Fire officials tell 13 NEWS they believe someone deliberately set the blaze, which cut through a rural field near SW 21st and Hodges Road, just west of Western Hills Golf Club.

Firefighters from Mission Valley township first responded to the scene shortly after 1 p.m. They were soon joined by members of the Dover Fire Dept.

The flames has not reached any nearby buildings. However, firefighters say they are working to protect six structures.

The Kansas Highway Patrol was asked to deploy an aerial unit to provide an overhead look at the fire.

This story is still developing. 13 NEWS will update this story as more information becomes available.