Elevated fire danger today; Gov. Kelly issues statewide disaster emergency

Emergency management officials warn on increased fire danger today and into Friday.

Strong south winds and unseasonably warm and dry air will result in very high to extreme grassland fire danger Thursday afternoon and early evening, according to the National Weather Service out of Wichita.

The greatest fire danger risk will be across parts of central Kansas either side of the I-70 corridor.

“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and be difficult to control,” NWS said.

When it comes to precautions, NWS says:

• Properly discard cigarettes
• Keep vehicles off of dry grass
• Avoid activities with open flames or sparks
• Avoid power equipment that creates sparks
• Obey burn bans
• Evacuate if fire/smoke is heading your way
• Evacuate if ordered to so by local officials

There is a slight risk for severe storms late Friday afternoon and evening. All hazards are possible, including large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.