HomeLocalElevated fire danger today; Gov. Kelly issues statewide disaster emergencyElevated fire danger today; Gov. Kelly issues statewide disaster emergencyThu, April 13, 2023 by Brady BaumanSHARE NOW A Winfield Fire truck battles grassfires during early spring. (Photo courtesy Cowley County Emergency Management)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 cigarettesKeep vehicles off of dry grassAvoid activities with open flames or sparksAvoid power equipment that creates sparksObey burn bansEvacuate if fire/smoke is heading your wayEvacuate if ordered to so by local officialsThere is a slight risk for severe storms late Friday afternoon and evening. All hazards are possible, including large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.