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
Arctic Air Returns This Weekend

Arctic Air Returns This Weekend

WHAT TO EXPECTDecember brought record warmth

28 Dec 2026 12:40 AM
Record Warmth Continues Into the Weekend

Record Warmth Continues Into the Weekend

Unseasonably warm temperatures continue to pr

28 Dec 2026 12:35 AM
Sunday Severe Threat Across Portions of Midwest and Midsouth

Sunday Severe Threat Across Portions of Midwest and Midsouth

WHAT TO EXPECTA cold front will move through

28 Dec 2026 12:30 AM
Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northeast

Another Round of Ice and Snow for the Northeast

As we are coming off the heels of our last wi

27 Dec 2025 11:00 PM
Top Weather Events of 2025

Top Weather Events of 2025

As 2025 wraps up, we're taking a look back at

27 Dec 2025 10:30 PM
Another System Brings Rain, Snow, and Ice to the Northeast

Another System Brings Rain, Snow, and Ice to the Northeast

Winter alerts are in place across the Northea

27 Dec 2025 3:30 PM
Flooding Risk In California Continues

Flooding Risk In California Continues

CALIFORNIA - Over the past few days, tropical

26 Dec 2025 3:15 PM