TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials say wildfires that have charred more than 1,100 square miles in Kansas are under control, prompting the state to withdraw response teams from the firefighting effort. Officials with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management say crews in Clark County now have a blaze there 70 percent contained. Containment levels in Comanche, Ellis, Reno and Rooks counties exceed 90 percent. The blaze that encompassed Comanche and Clark counties along the state's southern border with Oklahoma is the biggest wildfire on record in Kansas. Since erupting last weekend, wildfires had been reported in 21 Kansas counties. The state's emergency management agency warns there's still potential for grassfires because of dry conditions statewide. There may be some good news on the horizon. There's a chance for rain, snow and sleet in many parts of the fire affected areas this weekend.
Kansas Order Hastens Relief to Fire-Scarred State
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is easing the state's motor-carrier laws to help hasten deliveries of relief supplies to farmers and ranchers affected by massive wildfires. The Republican on Thursday signed an executive order waiving certain transportation regulations to make it easier to immediately deliver large quantities of hay, feed, fencing materials and other relief items. Since last weekend, wildfires in Kansas have charred more than 1,000 square miles of land and damaged or destroyed dozens of structures. The firefight Thursday was focused on four counties, down from 21 on Monday. One blaze, encompassing two counties along the state's southern border with Oklahoma, is the biggest wildfire on record in Kansas.