MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

KS fire danger earns Gov's proclamation

By Brian Hagen

02/26/2024

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Monday, issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation due to increased fire weather conditions beginning today and continuing through the rest of the week.

According to a release from the Kelly's office, the declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities, will create high to very-high fire weather conditions for many parts of the state, with Kelly, in the release, saying she urges "everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible, adding that "a single spark is enough to touch off a fire that could have devastating consequences.”

Due to the current conditions, any spark-producing activity should be avoided, with Rodney Redinger, Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Kansas Forest Service, saying in the release that "if there are opportunities to avoid welding, using cutting torches or other activities that could cause a spark, please do so over the next few days," adding that "if you must engage in spark-causing activities, make sure to have a fire extinguisher, water pressure can or other tool for extinguishing ready for a fire that could ignite.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center starting Tuesday to assist counties and local responders if requested.