PIQUA, Kan. — U.S. Highway 54 between Yates Center and Iola was closed for a time Thursday as emergency crews responded to a fire in a grain bin at the Piqua Co-op. The highway has since reopened.
Firefighters worked to slowly empty the smoldering bin to avoid stirring up dust and creating an explosion hazard. Piqua residents were asked to leave the area while crews worked, but have since been told they may return home.
Emergency crews say they have extinguished most of the fire and are checking for remaining hot spots. The public is asked to stay clear of the co-op until emergency operations are complete. No injuries or major structural losses have been reported.
