Kansas Forest Service
With much relief, firefighters are returning home as fires in Meade and Clark Counties are in the final mop-up or hot-spot extinguishing phase.
Meade Lake Complex: 95% Contained
Herman Ranch Complex: 80% Contained
While there has been no true end to the fire season in southwest Kansas, this battle is finally coming to a close. Lightning-started fires are not typical in Kansas, but with current landscape conditions, we have witnessed a very real threat that western states have long dealt with.
Vegetation remains extremely dry, and warm, dry conditions are expected to return this weekend. There is very little we can do about the weather, but we can change our behavior. For the sake of our local heroes and communities, please be mindful of any outdoor activity that could start a fire.
Activities such as mowing, welding, outdoor grilling, campfires, dragging chains while driving, or parking equipment in tall grass or crop fields can all spark a wildfire under these conditions. Don’t be the reason for the next wildfire.