‘Expect the worst’: Wildfire danger in Kansas expected to continue after snow melts

A wintry mix of precipitation in much of Kansas on Sunday has dropped the risk of wildfires across the state this week after the Cottonwood Complex fire east of Hutchinson destroyed roughly 12,000 acres, dozens of homes and more than 100 vehicles.

Kansans should expect to “see mostly milder conditions” this week, according to the Kansas Forest Service.

But elevated fire risks could return Wednesday for the southwestern quarter of the state — roughly from Tribune to Ellsworth, south to the Oklahoma state line.

The risk of catastrophic wildfires in Kansas is expected to continue after a “brief relief” from fire danger, the Kansas Forest Services says.

A dry winter along with low humidity and high winds has left the Sunflower state with an abundance of dry vegetation, which makes perfect fuel for wildfires.

“Dead fuels will respond only briefly to any moisture, so rain or snow offer only brief relief from fire danger, and any dry, windy period should result in anticipation of very active fire behavior,” a Monday fire report by the Kansas Forest Service says.

“Critically dry fuels statewide will need only a breath of breeze to burn aggressively,” it says. “Once snow cover melts off, fire danger will quickly increase. Any day of elevated wind will create dangerous and aggressive fire conditions, very resistant to control.

“Very experienced firefighters are consistently giving reports like ‘I’ve NEVER seen fire behave like that!’ Fire breaks that usually stop fires are not effective this year due to current climactic conditions. Expect the worst.”

Mark Neely, fire management officer for the Kansas Forest Service, said in a written statement that wildfire conditions are historically grim this year.

“Conditions for significant wildfires are at an historic high across Kansas,” Neely said. “Any ignition source could cause a wildfire that will grow rapidly and burn aggressively. Help your local firefighters by checking and rechecking previously completed brush piles to make sure they are completely extinguished.”