Dodge City, KS – A Red Flag Warning is in effect for western Kansas from 1 p.m. CDT (noon MDT) to 10 p.m. CDT (9 p.m. MDT) on Thursday due to strong winds and extremely low humidity. The warning includes Trego, Scott, Lane, Hamilton, Kearny, Finney, Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Morton, Stevens, and Seward counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, wind speeds will range from 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 11 percent, creating conditions favorable for rapid fire spread.
Officials warn that any fire that starts will likely spread quickly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents and landowners are advised to take precautions, including securing outdoor equipment that could create sparks and avoiding activities that may ignite dry vegetation.
Emergency management teams urge residents to have fire preparedness plans in place and stay updated through local alerts. The public can find more information from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/ddc.
The warning remains in effect until Thursday evening, and authorities will continue to monitor conditions closely as fire risk persists across the region.
