Dodge City, Kansas – Fires could ignite and spread within minutes across southwest Kansas through 9 p.m. Monday as powerful winds and critically dry air combine to create explosive fire conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for 18 counties, including Finney, Ford, Seward, and Meade, where south winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are ongoing. Relative humidity levels have dropped as low as 10 percent, creating an environment where even a small spark could trigger rapid fire growth.
Communities from Garden City to Liberal and Dodge City face the highest risk during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Open fields, dry grassland, and roadways such as U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. 83 could see fire activity escalate quickly, especially with blowing embers crossing roadways. Emergency managers urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could produce sparks.
Power infrastructure and rural properties remain vulnerable, particularly in counties like Grant and Stanton where wind exposure is strongest.
The threat will ease after sunset as winds begin to diminish and humidity levels slowly recover, but officials warn conditions could redevelop later this week. Additional fire weather alerts remain possible.
