Dodge City, KS – Residents across western Kansas face dangerous fire weather conditions this evening as a Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 7 p.m. CST, increasing the risk of fast-spreading wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, the warning impacts multiple counties and fire weather zones, including Hamilton, Kearny, Grant, Stanton, Haskell, Morton, Stevens and Seward counties. Officials say a combination of strong winds, very low humidity and dry conditions is creating an elevated fire danger across the region.
Northwest winds are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Relative humidity levels could drop as low as 15 percent, allowing any spark or flame to ignite dry grasses and spread rapidly.
The warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. CST (6 p.m. MST) Saturday evening. Fire officials strongly discourage outdoor burning, including trash burning and agricultural fires, during this time.
The National Weather Service warns that any fire that develops could grow quickly and become difficult to control due to the wind and dry air. Residents are urged to secure chains on trailers, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, and delay any activities that could produce sparks.
Fire departments across southwest Kansas are monitoring conditions closely and may respond rapidly to any reported fire starts. Residents are encouraged to report smoke or fires immediately to local authorities.
Conditions are expected to improve later tonight as winds ease and humidity levels gradually recover. Until then, officials stress that caution is critical to prevent wildfires that could threaten homes, farmland, and livestock.
For the latest updates and fire safety guidance, residents can visit weather.gov/ddc or follow local emergency management alerts.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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