Updated: Residents can return after Butler County fire; some traffic still disrupted

The Kansas Turnpike near El Dorado has partially reopened and Butler County residents who were asked to evacuate have been told they can return home as crews continue to fight grass fires that started northwest of the city.

“There is still some fire in the area, but the all-clear has been given. Residents can return home!” Butler County Emergency Communications posted to social media at 4:45 p.m. Friday.

After initially closing both lanes of traffic, the Kansas Turnpike Authority tweeted that northbound lanes have reopened. Southbound traffic was still being diverted at exit 76.

The Kansas Department of Transportation also has reopened K-196 from K-254 to Ohio Street.

Ryan Mitchell, assistant director of Butler County Emergency Communications, said what started as one fire sparked two smaller blazes within El Dorado city limits. Crews were also battling a fire southeast of El Dorado near Leon and another one west of Towanda.

He said the high winds are making it difficult to contain the flames.

Mitchell said no injuries have been reported, but a number of structures have been damaged.

“A couple of residences, mostly outbuildings, but I haven’t really got a full count yet,” he said.

Butler County Emergency Communications posted around 1:30 p.m., asking people west of Haverhill Road and north of Central (254) to evacuate. That evacuation has ended.

Roughly 250 students from Circle Oil Hill Elementary were evacuated to Towanda High School.

The National Weather Service has a red flag warning until 9 p.m. Friday and a high wind warning until 7 p.m.

Earlier Friday, Gov. Laura Kelly issued a disaster declaration due to the risk of wildfires across the state caused by dry conditions and high winds.

This story was originally published March 31, 2023 at 2:58 PM.