Due to the high potential for wildland fires, Governor Jeff Colyer M.D. has declared a State of Disaster Emergency for the state. This declaration allows state agencies to preposition firefighting assets and personnel in case wildland fires develop.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to an enhanced steady-state level 3. The SEOC is staffed by personnel from KDEM and the Kansas National Guard. They are in contact with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Kansas Forest Service; no additional support has been requested at this time. The Kansas National Guard has UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and crews on standby.

Very high and extreme grassland fire danger is forecast across much of the state through Friday and perhaps into Saturday due to warmer temperatures, low relative humidity, and strong winds. A Red Flag warning has been issued by the National Weather service for numerous areas of the state. Any fires that start will have extreme fire behavior and the potential to spread rapidly.

KDEM officials are reminding Kansans to avoid any activity that could create a spark and start a new fire.

• Avoid open burning.
• Check with the local authorities in each county for information regarding county burn bans.
(Stevens County is currently under a burn ban)
• Do not drive on or stop your car on dry or tall grass because your exhaust can spark a fire
• Do not throw cigarettes on the ground.
• Check and re-check any recent fires for rekindling.

For more information regarding the weather and a map of the red flag warning, click here.