Emergency crews working several large wildfires in northeast Kansas counties
(KSNT) - Emergency crews are working to put out several wildfires in northeast Kansas Wednesday. Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse is urging people in the area or city of Delia to evacuate immediately. He said if you have the coronavirus or symptoms and you've evacuated, please stay in your vehicle but move away from the [...]
(KSNT) - Emergency crews are working to put out several wildfires in northeast Kansas Wednesday.
Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse is urging people in the area or city of Delia to evacuate immediately.
He said if you have the coronavirus or symptoms and you've evacuated, please stay in your vehicle but move away from the path of the fire.
The grass fire initially started in Shawnee County and caused a two-vehicle crash just west of Rossville. It happened just before 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Shawnee County Communications told KSNT News smoke from the fire was likely a factor in the 2-vehicle crash. Two people were involved in the crash and one of them had minor injuries but wasn't taken to the hospital.
Local law enforcement said visibility is low in the area right now. People should avoid the area if possible.
Kansas Forest Service tweeted Air Tanker 95 was requested to help with the fire.
The Manhattan Fire Department helped out Kansas Forest Service and Air Tanker 95 with jet fuel refills at Manhattan Regional Airport.
The National Weather Service of Topeka tweeted just after 1 p.m., saying satellite detected the large fire near the Shawnee-Pottawatomie county line.
The Emergency Alert System issued a Civil Emergency Message around 2:30 p.m.
A civil authority has issued A CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE for the following counties or areas: Shawnee, KS; at 2:29 PM on NOV 18, 2020 Effective until 6:29 PM. Message from SNCO EOC. Responders are fighting a large dangerous fire in NW Shawnee County. Please avoid the area west of Rossville and north and along US24 Highway Responders are fighting a large dangerous fire in NW Shawnee County. Please avoid the area west of Rossville and north and along US24 Highway
Around 3 p.m., the National Weather Service of Topeka said its satellite detected two additional fires in Wabuansee and Pottawatomie Counties.
A viewer sent us a picture of the fire south of Belvue.
Most of northeast Kansas is under a Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory until 6 p.m.
KSNT News has a crew on scene. This is a developing story.