Dodge City, KS – A Red Flag Warning remains in effect across southwest Kansas today, with dangerous fire conditions threatening areas from Hays to Liberal.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, wind gusts are expected to reach 55 to 60 mph in far southwest Kansas, with sustained winds from the southwest at 25 to 35 mph. Relative humidity levels will plummet to 5-10% by mid-afternoon Thursday, significantly increasing the risk of erratic and fast-spreading wildfires.
Counties under the warning include Ford, Finney, Seward, Haskell, Grant, Stevens, Morton, and surrounding areas. Cities at highest risk include Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Ulysses, and Syracuse. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged as any spark could ignite rapidly and grow out of control.
The National Weather Service warns that open flames can escape containment quickly under these conditions. Residents are urged to avoid any activities that could generate sparks, such as grilling, welding, or driving off-road vehicles in grassy areas.
This level of fire risk is rare but not unprecedented for this region in April. Residents are advised to monitor updates from local emergency management and take immediate precautions to prevent fire outbreaks.
