EL DORADO, Kan.  -  Several homes were evacuated and a busy highway closed by series of grass fires in Butler County Friday afternoon. The fires were along a three-mile stretch on both sides of Highway 77, south of El Dorado.
     Officials say the fires were reported just before 4:00 p.m. Friday.  Investigators believe the driver of a vehicle unknowingly sparked the fires while traveling along the highway.
     Four homes were threatened by the fires, and were evacuated as a precaution.  Firefighters were able to protect the homes and the surrounding property.  No injuries have been reported.
     Firefighters from eight different fire departments responded to the scene and worked to contain the fires.