Two Large Grass Fires in Two Days

Two Large Grass Fires in Two Days

23 March 2011

published by www.ksallink.com


USA — The Kansas Division of Emergency Management urges Kansans to take precautions to prevent wildfires across the state because of current conditions. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for portions of Kansas yesterday and today. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will soon, and involve a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, according to the NWS.

“High winds are common this time of year,” said Angee Morgan, KDEM deputy director. “It doesn’t take much under these conditions to result in some major wildfires like we’ve been seeing in recent days.”

Wednesday, Butler County Emergency Management reported a large grass fire three miles south of Leon moving to the south and southeast. Measures were taken to prevent its spread to rural homes. Eight fire departments from Butler County assisted with the fire along with the Kansas Forest Service. No injuries were reported.

On Tuesday, a large wildfire in Stanton County burned an area of approximately 60 square miles or 38,400 acres before being contained around 8 p.m. Eight counties and approximately 80 personnel helped fight the fire. 40 mph from the southwest fueled the fire. No injuries were reported.

County fire chiefs and emergency managers caution everyone to obtain permission, where required, and be very careful when burning or driving through dry vegetation. If a fire does escape control, Kansans are urged to report it quickly to authorities.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is asking that county emergency managers please alert KDEM through the Staff Duty Officer as soon as possible when fires begin so that KDEM can be prepared to provide assistance, if needed.


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