State Agencies Urge Kansans to Use Caution This Week Due to Potential for Wildland Fires
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Fire Marshal and Kansas Forest Service are urging Kansans to use caution this week due to the risk of wildland fires.
Unseasonably warm temperatures, very dry south wind, low relative humidity and extremely dry vegetation makes the fire danger across the state very high and elevated the rest of the week.
Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration on Thursday, October 24 due to wildland fires in the counties of Chase, Marion, Montgomery and Sedgwick. Doniphan County has been added to this declaration.
"With the warmer weather, lack of rain and high winds, we are at a risk of wildland fires starting across the state," Governor Kelly said. "I urge Kansans to avoid any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire."
"The Kansas Forest Service and our partners are ready with resources throughout the state to respond to any potential wildfires," said Bill Waln, Fire Management Officer for the Kansas Forest Service. "It's important to remember that during periods of very high sustained winds, aviation support may be grounded due to safety concerns and the reduced effectiveness of water drops."
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is at a partial activation to assist counties and local responders if requested.
(Information courtesy Kansas Adjutant General's Department.)