Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal declaration of a State of Disaster Emergency at 3:31 p.m. today for Finney County due to a wildland fire. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist local authorities with response and recovery operations.

“Despite recent rains, there is still a risk of wildland fires across the state,” Gov. Kelly said. “I urge all Kansans to avoid outdoor burning, if possible, and to remain vigilant. It only takes a single spark from a lawn mower, a car engine, an unattended barbecue or other source to start a wildfire that could have devastating effects.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management did a partial activation of the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka. Emergency Support Function partners that are supporting the SEOC and KDEM to provide assistance to county and local responders are the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Forest Service, and Kansas Highway Patrol.