Kansas Forest Service gives update on Southwest Kansas wildfires

The Kansas Forest Service gave an update on Wednesday afternoon on the wildfires impacting southwest Kansas.

Fires across Kansas remained active overnight. Firefighters worked through the night and are making steady progress on many incidents today.

In coordination with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, additional resources from across the state have deployed and are supporting local responders. With continued elevated fire weather statewide, more firefighters are available and strategically staged for rapid response.

Winds have decreased enough to allow aviation resources to assist where needed. Kansas is coordinating aircraft with Oklahoma Forestry Services on the Ranger Road Fire.

At this time, all evacuation notices have been rescinded. Evacuations, if needed, will be coordinated through local emergency management agencies. Please make sure you are signed up for your county’s emergency alert text notifications so you can receive timely updates.

Fires with State Resources Assigned:

Stevens Fire (Seward Co. Fire)
Burned from Texas County, OK, into Seward County, KS. Located southwest of Liberal. Forward progress is currently stopped, and crews continue working to extinguish hot spots.

Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2)
Located southeast of Liberal and remains active. Aviation resources are assisting firefighters on the ground. The Johnson County Task Force and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Williams are coordinating closely with local departments.

Tennis Fire (Garden City Fire)
Good progress continues. Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi is transitioning to assist with other fires in the area. A state task force remains integrated with local firefighters.

Ranger Road Fire (Started in Beaver Co., OK)
Remains active. Resources have shifted to address a flare-up in Meade County. Coordination continues between Oklahoma and Kansas state resources. Additional task forces and single resources are arriving today and will assist local agencies through the night.

Thank you to all firefighters and emergency responders working tirelessly to protect our communities. Please stay aware of conditions and avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a fire.