Dodge City, Kansas – Fires can explode out of control within minutes across southwest Kansas this afternoon as powerful winds and extremely dry air peak before sunset Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. CDT, covering 18 counties including Finney, Ford, Seward, Meade, and Clark. North-northwest winds are sustained at 20 to 30 mph with gusts reaching 45 mph, while humidity levels drop as low as 12 percent—an environment primed for rapid fire growth.
Communities including Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Sublette face the highest risk during the late afternoon hours. Open fields, dry grasses, and agricultural land create ideal fuel, and any spark—from machinery, vehicles, or discarded cigarettes—can trigger fast-moving fires. Emergency managers warn that rural roads and highways such as U.S. 50 and U.S. 83 could see sudden visibility drops if fires develop nearby.
Residents should avoid all outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could create sparks. Fire crews remain on high alert, and response times could be strained if multiple fires ignite.
Conditions begin to improve after sunset, but officials warn the threat remains elevated until winds ease later tonight. Additional alerts are possible if conditions persist into the weekend.
