Fires Sparks Evacuations in Kansas Friday

news image
Special Stories
2 Apr 2021 6:29 PM
A wildfire near Interstate 70 in Kansas led to evacuation orders Friday afternoon. The Topeka, Kansas Emergency Management Agency issued a mandatory evacuation for areas between Vera Road to West Union Road from I-70 to the Kansas River. A large wildfire flared up Friday in Shawnee County, KS and spread quickly due to strong southerly winds. Throughout Friday afternoon, Topeka observed sustained winds between 25-35 miles per hour from the south. The wildfire burned just north of Interstate 70 west of Topeka, KS and it could be seen by the nearby Topeka radar. Later on Friday, Maple Hill was "all clear" per the Wabaunsee Emergency Management Agency. This region was under a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. CT Friday. Dry conditions, with low relative humidity levels and a gusty wind, provided a high danger Friday. A high fire danger may exist this weekend too. Stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecast and any fire alerts for your area. If fire alerts are issued, avoid sparking a fire because it may spread very quickly under these weather conditions!
All Weather News
More
Severe Storms Return Across the Central Plains Today

Severe Storms Return Across the Central Plains Today

TEXAS - Renewed rounds of severe weather are

30 May 2026 6:00 PM
Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

More rounds of heavy rain are expected to mov

30 May 2026 4:40 PM
Cooler and Wetter Across the Northeast This Weekend

Cooler and Wetter Across the Northeast This Weekend

It was clear skies on Thursday for Manhattanh

30 May 2026 4:30 PM
Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

SET-UPAn upper low is sitting and spinning ov

29 May 2026 6:00 PM
Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

Northern Plains Heat Pushes into Upper Midwest

Record high temperatures have been breaking s

28 May 2026 7:15 PM
Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

Severe Storms Threaten Nation's Capital

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a

27 May 2026 11:35 PM
Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target the Southeast

WHAT TO EXPECTHeavy rain has already hit nume

24 May 2026 8:00 PM