TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas forestry officials report that all evacuation notices have been rescinded as of Wednesday afternoon, but serious fire threats remain active in different parts of the state.
The Kansas Forest Service posted an update to firefighting efforts across the state on Feb. 18. The agency reports that fires across Kansas burned overnight and that fire crews continue to make progress on these situations.
The KFS said that all evacuation notices are rescinded as of Feb. 18. However, evacuations will be coordinated through local emergency management services as needed.
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Several large wildfires were reported in Kansas and Oklahoma on Feb. 17, with some continuing to burn through to Feb. 18. The KFS released the following updates on these situations below:
- Stevens fire – Seward County
- Started in Texas County, Oklahoma and spread into Seward County, Kansas southwest of Liberal. Fire crews continue to extinguish hot spots and the fire’s progress has been halted.
- Andrew Lane fire – Seward County
- Southeast of Liberal and still active as of the afternoon of Feb. 18. Aviation resources are helping firefighters on the ground. The KFS and Johnson County Task Force are working together with local groups to put this fire out.
- Tennis Fire – Garden City
- A state task force is still on site for this fire and is working with local fire crews. The KFS said that “good progress continues” with this fire.
- Ranger Road fire – Meade County
- Still active into the afternoon of Feb. 18 near the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Both Kansas and Oklahoma fire crews are working together to address this fire. Additional assistance and task forces are arriving on Feb. 18 to help firefighters through the evening.
“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.”
KFS statement
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has also created a web page to address agricultural impacts from wildfires so farmers, ranchers and others can find resources to help them with recovering. You can access this website by clicking here.
Wildfires prompted evacuations in different areas in Kansas on Feb. 17. Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency declaration earlier in the week due to the expected high fire danger threat.
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