TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- Sean Rewerts says his father lit the spark inside of him to want to do more.

"It was always really cool when I was little, seeing him go out on calls and stuff," said Sean.

Sean's father, Nathan Rewerts, is the Assistant Chief of Shawnee County District #4. Sean is among several students fulfilling their dreams a little early, with the Junior Firefighter Program.

"I've always liked the aspect of firefighting, and growing up I was always like 'wow this seems like a pretty cool profession," said Junior Firefighter Malcolm Gillum.

"They are huge. We are all volunteer so we don't have any staffing. These kids are hitting the fire when a lot of the threat levels are down, so we can all step back and take a break," said Captain Kyle Soldani.

The Junior Firefighters participate in training and help with station projects several times a month. They help put out the flames on a Muller auto-transplant semi Friday morning in West Topeka.

"We either keep them with us if we want to be selfish or we keep them in the fire service somewhere. if we get them in the fire service somewhere we've done our job," said Soldani.

"It gives you a good feel for it, and a lot of good exposure, and I plan on getting my Fire Science degree to become a full-time firefighter," said Gillum.

Dedication igniting a flame, in more ways than one.

"Just helping you're community out," said Sean.

"It's just a certain call to some people, a lot of dedication, but I enjoy every second of it," said Gillum.

The Soldier Township Fire Department also has a Junior Firefighter Program. Applicants must be ages 14 to 18 to apply.

http://www.wibw.com/content/news/HIgh-School-students-put-out-the-flames-with-Junior-Firefighter-program-416467463.html

RESPONSE: At approximately 0715HRS this morning SCFD4 personnel were alerted to a vehicle transport heavily involved at the I70 Auto Auction with multiple vehicles loaded. Engine 81 and Tanker 81 responded along with SCFD4 volunteers to handle the call. Ultimately two tractors were totaled and three passenger cars. Pictured is Capt. Soldani on attack, FF Whitegon and Junior FF Rewerts. This is the initial phase of our attack this morning. Units cleared at approximately 0845HRS.

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNT) – A grass fire near Kansas Highway 4 was out of control for several hours this afternoon.

The fire started just after 2 p.m. near SW Hoch and Hodges Rd. near the town of Dover.

Residents in the area were notified of the fire and the concern of it coming into contact with homes.

Several fire departments responded and they were able to get the blaze under control.

High winds were a problem for crews on the scene as the wind sometimes shifted the fire in several directions.

Director of Shawnee County Emergency Management Dusty Nichols says it’s important to be aware of windy conditions and the risk of fire that comes along with that.

They are unsure of what started the fire at this time, but Nichols says a fire like this can easily start by something as simple as a cigarette.

We will continue to update you on this story as we learn more information.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Fire crews from several area departments battled a large grass fire Friday afternoon in southwest Shawnee Co.

The situation forced crews to close K4 in southwest Shawnee Co., between Hodges and Hoch Rds. It reopened just before 5:30 p.m.

Shawnee County Fire District 4 received a call of grass fire just after 2 p.m. Friday and quickly worked on getting control of the situation.

With a few structures in the area at risk, crews called for mutual aid to focus on defensive fire tactics.

The situation has now been put under control as the focus has turned to making sure hot spots are out.

Dry air and extremely windy conditions have allowed for many parts of the area to be under a very high risk including Shawnee County. With little rain in sight and more windy conditions expected, the fire risk will likely continue into the weekend.

The exact cause of the fire is still unclear, but crews are investigating.

This is a developing story. 13 NEWS will post updates as they are available.

http://www.wibw.com/content/news/Grass-fire-closed-stretch-of-K4-in-Shawnee-Co-415362273.html