Thick black smoke from large grass fire blanketed I-435 on Kansas City’s south side

Thick black smoke billowing from a large grass fire cut visibility and caused traffic to back up Friday afternoon along Interstate 435 on Kansas City’s south side.

Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 1 p.m. along westbound I-435 near Blue River Road, said Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, a spokesman for the Kansas City Fire Department.

It took multiple fire crews several hours to bring the fire under control, Hopkins said, due in part to high winds and difficulties accessing the fire. The fire was reportedly under control by 4 p.m., and fire crews were remaining on scene to chase hot spots, Hopkins said.

The fire involved a large area, covering several acres from I-435 north to a neighboring golf course, Hopkins said.

Traffic delays are expected to continue, with the right two lanes of westbound I-435 between Grandview Road and 103rd blocked to traffic.

Firefighters from seven pumpers, two brush trucks and an aerial ladder truck were on scene battling the blaze shortly after 3 p.m., according to PulsePoint, an app that allows people to view calls firefighters and emergency medical services have responded to.

No injuries were reported and no houses were threatened by the fire, Hopkins said.

Firefighters have advised drivers to avoid the area or plan on long delays.

Because of the high winds on Friday, people were advised to avoid any burning, including grills and fire pits, Hopkins said.