KFS Fire Forecast

Fuels: Much of central and eastern Kansas continued to receive episodes of light to moderate rainfall. This has reduced the overall fire potential and greatly improved ERCs and 1000hr fuel moistures. While drying is expected to occur this week, greenup will mitigate any fire weather concerns. Elsewhere, especially the southwest, along the CO border and south-central Kansas, some areas still haven't received wetting moisture for 70+ days. These areas continue to see potential for large fire spread until precipitation occurs with dormant vegetation. ERCs, while improved with higher humidity values, still reside up to the 70th percentile. Fire behavior in these areas, especially in dormant grasses will still have the potential for extreme conditions under critical fire weather. However, improvement is expected by mid-week in this area with higher moisture and some precipitation potential.  Statewide Preparedness Level:     Forecast:     Monday, April 27th Low press...

Fuels: Fuels remain mostly unchanged from last week. Eastern portion of the state continued to see some areas of isolated heavy rains. Further west, a  fuels advisory remains in place and the region has gone mostly precipitation-free with many locations approaching 70 days without wetting moisture. For most of central and western Kansas, wheat continues to fail and with another freeze over the weekend, additional stress has been placed on the area's only resistant barrier to spread. Thus, even wheat should not be considered an adequate place to stop wildfires. Heavy fuels also remain extremely dry and are consuming completely. As a result, the landscape is conducive to large fire activity when weather conditions align. Expect extreme fire behavior, increased spotting, significant mop up and high rekindle potential until adequate moisture is received.  Statewide Preparedness Level:     Forecast:     Monday, April 20th Critical fire weather for west and cen...

Fuels: Moisture has occurred over the last week for a good portion of the state. Still, amounts were fairly low for the west/central outside of isolated areas. While the higher humidity has moderated conditions, a more prolonged and impactful event is needed to support slowing fire season in the central and west. As a result, fuels will be subject to rapid drying this week with a persistent dryline setup daily. While there has been some greenup, observations and GSI support a fire landscape capable of large fires. Dormant fuels will be capable of higher end fire behavior, especially in the areas that missed precipitation. A  fuels advisory remains in place for all of western and much of central Kansas. Statewide Preparedness Level:     Forecast:     Monday, April 13th Critical fire weather for southwest Kansas from Greeley Co, east to Barton Co, south to Barber, and southwestward.  After poor humidity recovery last night, much of the western half of the s...

Fuels: Moderation in the fire environment has occurred with recent precipitation in the east. This has not only improved fuel moisture, it also increased green-up greatly resulting in more barriers to fire spread. Further west, for central/west Kansas, a fuels advisory remains in place with most locations anywhere from 50-80+ days without wetting moisture. As a result, very little, if any green-up has occurred and fuels remain critically dry. Extreme fire behavior is possible in these regions until wetting moisture is received, even under benign conditions. Rapid rates of spread will occur with winds increased through mid-week which may result in increased spotting potential along with significant resistance to suppression. Statewide Preparedness Level:     Forecast: Monday, April 6th Critical fire weather for southwest Kansas. Cold front stalls just south of I-70 across the state. Ahead of the cold front, winds will be southerly with above normal temperatures and dry air in ...