The Wichita area will be under a Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with winds gusting up to 55-mph.
Much of the state will be under an elevated fire risk for the next few days. Governor Kelly has declared a State of Disaster Emergency which activates state firefighting resources.
“This declaration will allow our state agencies to pre-position firefighting equipment and extra manpower in areas considered to be at the greatest risk,” said Kelly. “I urge all Kansans to be aware of the potential for wildland fires and to use caution when using campfires, grills and other open fires. A single spark may touch off a fire that can have devastating effects. Please keep yourself and your community safe and use extra precautions anytime you are doing any burning.”
Conditions across Kansas will stay mainly dry and windy for the rest of the week, with fairly low humidity. Any fires that pop up could spread dangerously fast.
“With critical to extreme fire conditions, we must consider the safety of all Kansans and be extra cautious with any ignition sources,” said Jason Hartman, Kansas state forester. “To keep everyone safe in these conditions, it will take awareness, planning, coordination, and preparation at the local, county and state levels.
“State resources will be ready to respond, if requested. However, those first few hours will be critical in stopping a catastrophic wildfire. Please, report fires immediately.”
