Governor Kelly Signs Executive Order to Allow Relief from Transportation Restrictions for Wildfire Response Efforts
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers that are assisting in providing relief from the wildfires impacting parts of Kansas.
“As Kansas communities grapple with the impacts of these damaging wildfires, it’s essential that they have access to additional resources for response and recovery efforts,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In signing this executive order, we’re taking a critical step to facilitate the delivery of hay and other supplies that our farmers and ranchers need for fire suppression and emergency recovery.”
On February 15, 2026, Governor Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration in response to the wildland fires, followed by a written state of disaster declaration signed on February 24. Several large fires have caused extensive damage to Kansans’ property, including agricultural land. The February 15 emergency proclamation waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers under the conditions of providing direct assistance during an emergency for up to 14 days from the date of Governor Kelly’s verbal state of disaster declaration. Executive Order 26-01 waives certain dimension restrictions and permit fees for motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts.
Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation, but fees associated with these permits have been temporarily waived. Permits may be obtained here.
Additional information on Executive Order 26-01, including requirements and exemptions for carriers and drivers, can be found here. A copy of the written state of disaster declaration is available here.
