Wildfire raging in Texas Panhandle is now largest in state history
29 February 2024
SALINA, Kan. (KSNW) — Firefighters are racing to get control of wildfires burning in Saline and Phillips Counties Thursday afternoon.
Saline County
The Saline County fire became visible on satellite around 1 p.m. It is northwest of Salina and north of Interstate 70, near Hedville Road and Watkins Road.
Saline County officials said Thursday an evacuation notice has been issued for all those within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins Roads. If you are in this area, leave now and avoid the area.
The county also said the interstate has low to no visibility due to smoke in the area of I-70 and I-135. Avoid the interstate and take an alternate route if you must travel. Air support is en route to the area.
The KSN SkyView camera in Salina shows the smoke from a wildfire northwest of Salina on Feb. 29, 2024. (KSN News Photo)
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner said the fire is moving away from I-70 and U.S. 81, but it is moving fast.
Phillips County
Another wildfire is being worked in Phillips County. The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook that Phillipsburg Fire has requested assistance from Kirwin and Logan for a grass fire north of Kansas Highway 9 between Glade and Speed.
Phillips County Fire (KSN News)
The PCSO said to avoid the area and, if you happen to see smoke anywhere else in the county, call 911. As of now, no evacuations have been issued for the fire in Phillips County
KSN News will continue to monitor the situation. We will update this story as more details become available.
In the meantime, drivers should avoid the areas and watch for firefighters moving quickly through the area.
The dry conditions with strong winds have increased the chance of wildfires in Kansas this week.