State of emergency declared in Kansas due to wildfire risk

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a state of disaster emergency declaration for the Sunflower State due to increased fire risks this week.

Kelly gave a verbal declaration of the disaster emergency at 10:23 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 26 in light of weather conditions that could create the potential for wildfires in Kansas this week. The declaration allows more resources to be available for fighting wildfires.

“Weather conditions are such that a high risk exists for wildland fires,” Kelly said. “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible. A single spark is enough to touch off a fire that could have devastating consequences.”

Kansas is currently facing a period of record warmth this winter. Gust winds combined with high temperatures provide better conditions for fires to break out and spread across the state.

“We can all do our part to prevent unwanted fires,” Rodney Redinger, Assistant Fire Management Officer, Kansas Forest Service, said. “If there are opportunities to avoid welding, using cutting torches or other activities that could cause a spark, please do so over the next few days. If you must engage in spark-causing activities, make sure to have a fire extinguisher, water pressure can or other tool for extinguishing ready for a fire that could ignite.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will begin staffing the State Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday, Feb. 27 to help counties and local first responders under the new declaration.

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