Governor Kelly issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fire danger

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation today at 2 p.m. due to Red Flag fire conditions across much of the state. With the high winds that are impacting the state, any fire can quickly get out of control. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

"Weather conditions across Kansas are prime for wildland fires over the next couple of days," Governor Laura Kelly said. "Kansans should remain vigilant and take extra precautions to eliminate the risk of sparking a fire."

Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with strong winds have created very high fire danger across Kansas. Vegetation that grew rapidly due to timely moisture earlier in the year has now cured and is readily available as fuel, increasing the potential for large and fast-moving wildfires.

"Conditions will remain favorable for large wildfires," said Bill Waln, Fire Management Officer with the Kansas Forest Service. "We ask the public to limit activities that could produce a spark, helping reduce the risk of new fires and allowing first responders to spend the holiday season with their families rather than fighting fires."

As high winds continue to impact the state, travelers should take precautions and follow guidance from the Kansas Department of Transportation highway road signs. Also check out kandrive.gov for current road conditions and closings. Dust storms have been impacting visibility on some of the major roads in western Kansas.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and brought in our Emergency Support Function partners from the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Fire Marshal's office, Kansas Department of Transportation and National Weather Service to monitor the situation and assist counties and local responders if requested.