Red Flag Warnings continue for parts of southwest Kansas today, but there is still a high fire danger across much of the state.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is monitoring conditions and providing resources to counties that are battling wildfires.
KDEM requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant through FEMA due to the Haddam Wildfire in Washington County. FEMA determined the Haddam Wildfire would constitute a major disaster and approved the request on April 13.
Governor Kelly issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency April 12 due to wildland fires affecting parts of Kansas. This activated state resources to assist with firefighting efforts wherever they were needed.
“The persistent drought is leaving the majority of Kansas very vulnerable to wildfires,” said Governor Kelly. “It is important that we have resources on standby to assist local first responders get fires under control as quickly as possible.”
“Stay away from all affected areas and do not drive through heavy smoke,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of KDEM. “Sightseeing puts you in danger and hampers the work of firefighting crews.”
Red Flag Warnings continue for the Dodge City area until 8 p.m. today. That is a much smaller area that is impacted compared to Thursday, which saw warnings in place for most of the state.
