(KAIR)--Jefferson County officials have adopted a local disaster emergency proclamation as wildfires continue to burn across western Kansas.

According to the unofficial minutes of Monday’s Jefferson County Commission meeting, Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers asked the board to sign the Disaster Resolution for, as the minutes say, "a preparation just in case something happens." The resolution, which took effect Monday, includes coverage for wildfires moving forward. 

The motion passed unanimously.

Meanwhile, wildfires continue to spread across western Kansas and have burned tens of thousands of acres. Sparked by dry thunderstorms, the fires have been fueled by extremely dry conditions and high winds, with firefighters from across the state, many of them volunteers, responding to help.