Kansans warned of increased wildfire danger due to high winds, dry conditions

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas state officials are warning people to be extra cautious this week due to the potential for wildfires.

Jane Welch with the Adjutant General's Department said in a press release that staff with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Fire Marshal and Kansas Forest Service (KFS) are all urging people to be aware of the danger's associated with potential wildfires.

Welch said a mixture of unusually high temperatures, dry winds, low relative humidity and extremely dry vegetation has led to the uptick in fire danger this week.

“The Kansas Forest Service and our partners are ready with resources throughout the state to respond to any potential wildfires,” Bill Waln, Fire Management Officer for the KFS said. “It’s important to remember that during periods of very high sustained winds, aviation support may be grounded due to safety concerns and the reduced effectiveness of water drops.”

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration last week on Thursday, Oct. 24. This impacts Chase, Marion, Montgomery and Sedgwick Counties. Doniphan County was later added to this declaration.

“With the warmer weather, lack of rain, and high winds, we are at a risk of wildland fires starting across the state,” Governor Kelly said. “I urge Kansans to avoid any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire.”

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