Dry and windy conditions expected between now and Saturday evening have prompted Governor Laura Kelly to issue a state of disaster emergency declaration for Kansas.
“In recent years, we have seen the devastation wildland fires can cause across the state,” Governor Kelly said in a news release. “They destroy crops and grazing land, and may threaten homes and lives. This declaration will allow the state to use whatever resources we have available to mitigate the risks and respond to fires, should they occur, in support of local emergency responders.”
The majority of the Kansas is in an Enhanced Fire Danger outlook, Significant Fire Danger outlook, or Critical Fire Danger outlook/forecast due to low humidity, high winds, and dry grass and brush. The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. between now and Saturday.
The Kansas National Guard is on alert and will be ready to deploy UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for aerial fire suppression support if needed. Kansans are advised to check to make sure there are no active burn bans in your area, and to use caution if burning, including outdoor grills and always extinguish smoking materials.
