Kansas fire crews prepare for extreme fire weather, other states sending help

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The risk of more wildfires is high across Kansas Tuesday because of the dry conditions and the strong wind. The Kansas Forest Service calls it “extreme fire weather.”

KFS and other state agencies say they have ground and aviation resources pre-positioned across the state so they can quickly get to any wildfires. But officials say the strong wind could also ground the aircraft.

KFS has asked for help through the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact. Because of the request, firefighters and equipment from North and South Dakota will be arriving in Kansas Tuesday.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management asks Kansans to be careful, saying, “Please use caution and remember that it only takes a spark.”

If a fire does start, the wind could push it quickly into an out-of-control wildfire, putting homes and lives at risk.