Smoke and ash from a rapidly growing wildfire in the Oklahoma Panhandle drifted into south-central Kansas on Tuesday, with haze and falling ash reported in Wichita, Wellington and Winfield — and lighter impacts in Arkansas City.
According to a report from KWCH 12 in Wichita, the fire in Beaver County, Oklahoma, was reported shortly before noon and has burned an estimated 15,000 acres. The blaze moved north into Kansas, prompting evacuations in Englewood and Ashland.
High winds fueled the fire’s rapid spread, forcing the closure of U.S. Highway 64 east of Forgan in Beaver County and into nearby Texas County, Oklahoma. Oklahoma Forestry Services said gusts exceeding 65 mph prevented the use of aerial firefighting resources.
In Kansas, Ashland schools released students early Tuesday as a precaution and canceled classes for Wednesday. The community remains mindful of the devastating Starbuck fire nearly nine years ago, which burned more than 600,000 acres across the region.
While no evacuations were ordered in Sedgwick, Sumner or Cowley counties, residents reported visible smoke, reduced air quality and ash settling on vehicles and outdoor surfaces. A scent of smoke lingered in the area Wednesday morning.
Fire officials continue to monitor conditions as strong winds and dry vegetation create elevated fire danger across the region.
