Governor Kelly declared a state of disaster emergency because of the threat of wildfires this week.
The highest danger is expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday, as a storm system brings higher winds across the state. Warmer temperatures and low humidity mean there is a lot of dry fuel, and any small fires could spread quickly.
“It is because wildfires can spring up so suddenly under these conditions that I have put this disaster declaration in place,” Kelly said. “Placing resources such as these helicopters and other resources on standby help the state respond more quickly if a fire begins to spread.”
“Kansans should remain vigilant about preventing fires,” Angee Morgan, deputy director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management, said. “Avoid any activity that could create a spark and touch off a fire. Do not drive on or stop your car on dry or tall grass and do not throw cigarettes on the ground.”
The Kansas National Guard has its Black Hawk helicopters with water buckets standing by to help with fire suppression efforts. The Kansas Forest Service also has vehicles standing by to help, and is working to find available agriculture pilots who can lend a hand if needed.
Since Sunday, crews have been fighting a wildfire in Shawnee County, being called the Crawford fire. So far it’s burned close to 1500 acres and is 50-percent contained as of Monday morning.
