Governor Kelly issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation today at 10:40 a.m. due to critical fire weather conditions and Red Flag warnings in Western Kansas beginning Thursday, Jan. 15 and continuing through the weekend. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

“Weather conditions are such that a high risk exists for wildland fires in the coming days,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning. Follow your local burn bans and regulations. We all need to do our part to protect our neighbors and communities.”

High winds exceeding 40 mph and humidity levels below 20 percent are expected across the state from Friday through Saturday. These conditions are conducive to rapid fire growth. Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with strong winds will further dry vegetation, creating fire behavior that is not typical for this time of year. Areas of particular concern include northwest Kansas, where no significant precipitation has occurred in more than 50 days.

“The Kansas Forest Service is working closely with our partners to ensure resources are available to support local responders,” Bill Waln, Fire Management Officer, Kansas Forest Service said. “In some areas that recently received rainfall, responding vehicles may encounter difficult ground conditions and could become stuck. Wet soils, combined with receptive fuels, may also present challenges for ground resources during suppression efforts.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Support Function partners starting tomorrow to coordinate state assistance to support counties and local responders if requested.