Dodge City, KS – Fire conditions will intensify rapidly by midday across southwest Kansas, where strong winds and extremely dry air could allow any spark to spread out of control within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 10 p.m. for areas west of a Scott City to Garden City to Meade line. Southwest winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph while humidity drops as low as 9 percent, creating critical fire weather conditions.
Communities including Garden City, Liberal, Ulysses, and Elkhart face the highest risk, especially along U.S. Highway 83 and surrounding rural areas where dry grasses can ignite areas and spread quickly. Fire officials warn that any outdoor burning could become uncontrollable under these conditions.
Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and properly dispose of cigarettes. Even routine activities like parking on dry grass or using equipment that creates sparks could trigger fast-moving fires.
The elevated fire threat will persist through late evening, with conditions expected to ease after 10 p.m. Additional warnings could be issued if winds increase or humidity drops further.
