Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a declaration of disaster emergency for the state because of the potential for wildland fires for much of the state, and severe storms in the east.
The declaration will allow the state to have personnel and equipment ready to respond to any fires that break out.
Much of the state is under a Red Flag Warning and a high wind advisory for gusts up to 55 miles an hour. With strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures, the state will be under an extreme fire risk. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and could be difficult to control. A high wind warning will be in effect for Sedgwick, Sumner, Butler, Cowley, and Greenwood counties. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Wichita area and all of south central and central Kansas.
People are urged to be careful with any sources of fire and outdoor burning is being discouraged.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to keep in contact with county emergency management officials and keep an eye on weather conditions.
[ image: National Weather Service ]
