Dodge City, Kansas – Critical wildfire conditions will threaten much of southwest Kansas this afternoon as a Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 8 p.m. Monday, prompting urgent calls for caution across Scott, Hamilton, Kearny, and neighboring counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, strong west winds of 15 to 25 mph—with gusts up to 35 mph—are combining with humidity levels as low as 9 percent to create an environment where any spark could quickly ignite and spread. The warning covers a wide area including Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Morton, Stevens, and Seward counties.
Local emergency management officials urge residents to avoid all outdoor burning and activities that could generate sparks, such as operating equipment or discarding cigarettes. In recent years, similar conditions have led to fast-moving grass fires impacting roadways like U.S. 83 and local farmland.
Utility crews and fire departments are on heightened alert, especially near rural homes and fields. Residents should keep mobile phones charged, have evacuation plans ready, and monitor updates from county emergency services.
The Red Flag Warning is set to expire at 8 p.m., but officials warn that dry and windy conditions could return later this week. Additional alerts may be issued as needed.
