ASHLAND, Kan. (KCTV) – KC Metro Fire Departments are mobilizing resources to combat massive wildfires that swept across western Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle.

Kansas City Kansas Fire sent two chief officers to assist with response and support efforts Wednesday morning, Feb. 18.

The KCKFD chief officers are en route to assist with the State Incident Support Platform response and will work alongside the Ashland Kansas Fire Department and other agencies operating in the impacted region.

“We stand with the Ashland, Kansas Fire Department and all agencies operating in their community, as well as the departments working the numerous fires across western Kansas,” KCKFD said. “Additional resources may be deployed as needed.”

WILDFIRE LIVE BLOG Day 2: Fires scorch thousands of acres, evacuation orders lifted in SW Kansas

In a coordinated response, a Wildland Task Force departed Johnson County Tuesday, heading to central Kansas as part of a State of Kansas pre-positioning assignment. The deployment comes ahead of a favorable fire forecast, positioning firefighting resources strategically across the state.

The Task Force comprises firefighters from Edwardsville, Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Northwest Consolidated Fire District and Olathe, combining expertise and equipment from multiple Johnson County jurisdictions.

The deployment comes after strong winds swept wildfires from the Oklahoma panhandle into southwest Kansas on Tuesday, forcing evacuations in multiple communities. Among the hardest hit areas was Clark County, where residents of Englewood and Ashland were evacuated to communities to the east.

“The fire service stands together,” KCKFD stated, underscoring the collaborative response across state lines and agency boundaries.

By Wednesday morning, evacuation orders for Englewood and Ashland had been lifted, allowing residents to return home. However, multiple fires continued burning across Kansas’ western half and into Oklahoma.

The response also highlighted the serious injuries firefighters face in such operations. Clark County Emergency Management confirmed that at least two firefighters were transported from Clark County to Wichita for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation, with additional firefighters injured on both sides of the Kansas-Oklahoma border.

The KCKFD deployment of both chief officers and the Wildland Task Force represents part of a broader mutual aid response mobilized as firefighting agencies coordinate efforts across the region. Officials indicated the situation remained fluid, with additional resources to be deployed as needed.

Updates on the firefighting efforts continue as agencies work to contain the blazes across Kansas and Oklahoma.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy echoes throughout the county, with Jackson being remembered in Kansas for his work during the civil rights movement and beyond.

The civil rights leader was known for his work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and for his words of encouragement and change. Jackson’s impact left a lasting impression on Charles McAfee of McAfee Architects here in Wichita.

“Jesse was always trying to make things simpler for us,” McAfee said. Now, McAfee is processing a new reality without Jackson.

“This morning, for some strange reason, I woke up, it was five o’clock. Why am I waking up? I reached over and hit my TV, and there I saw it,” McAfee said. “It hurt my heart.”

McAfee and Jackson met while attending the Congressional Black Caucus, and quickly became friends.

“It was easy to know Jesse,” McAfee said. “He was probably the most energetic, available, realistic person who always fought the good fight. He always did.”

In 1993, Jackson made his way to Kansas State University, where he addressed the student body.

“When Jesse was invited to speak at Kansas State, one of the Jackson twins and I drove up,” McAfee said. “You know, you could not listen to him and not at least buy into something with what he’s saying.”

Jackson’s words are forever remembered by those touched by them.

“God bless you,” McAfee said. “Keep hope alive.”

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Ahead of Kansas basketball’s upcoming matchup at Oklahoma State, head coach Bill Self met with the media on Monday to discuss several topics. He previewed his team’s next contest as it prepares for a road trip to Stillwater.

The Jayhawks, who are coming off a loss to Iowa State after an eight-game winning streak, are looking to get back into the W column tomorrow night. Self talked about what he has seen from the Cowboys in his early film sessions and claimed their speed has stood out to him so far.

“Their two guards, [Kanye] Clary and [Jaylen] Curry, they’re good and they’re fast,” Self said. “And their other players are quick and athletic, but I’d say the biggest thing that stands out is their speed and their ability to make plays when nothing is there. They are really good at getting downhill.”

Oklahoma State’s leading scorer is Anthony Roy, a transfer from Green Bay who is averaging 17.6 points and 3.9 rebounds. Self praised his outstanding shooting ability — Roy is shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc on 8.0 attempts per night, which is a huge reason why the Pokes rank third in the Big 12 in 3-point shooting percentage.

“I think he’s one of the league’s top players and certainly one of the league’s top shooters and scorers,” Self proclaimed about the Cowboys’ star guard. “You look at Momcilovic and we’ve seen him, Roy has that same type range and same type touch. So that’s something we’re gonna certainly have to contend with.”

Steve Lutz’s group started off the season with a perfect 9-0 record that featured solid wins over Texas A&M and Northwestern. But since conference play, OSU has played to a mediocre 4-8 record, including losses in its past three contests.

The Jayhawks are fighting for a share of the regular-season conference title, currently sitting fourth in the standings after Iowa State’s huge win over Houston last night. There is still a path where Kansas ties Arizona and/or UH for a partial Big 12 crown, but it will need to be flawless in its final six games.

“Every game this late in the season means more and more as you go, without question,” he added. “When we can see the finish line, things that happen close to the finish line are more important… I think they all take on added importance once you get into mid-to-late February.”

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