SW Kansas wildfires prompt evacuations, school closure, road closures

MEADE, Kan. (KWCH) – Wildfires burning in southwest Kansas prompted evacuation orders, a highway closure, and responses from agencies and task forces from across the state, including Sedgwick County.

As efforts to gain the upper hand on fires in Ford, Meade, Clark and Stevens counties continue Friday morning, there’s a piece of good news as the evacuation order for the city of Meade has been lifted. Overnight, residents were told to evacuate due to a fire burning south of town as firefighters battled to gain control of the wildfire. Meade Public Schools will not be in session on Friday.

Around 1 a.m. Friday, the NWS said the fire in Meade County was approaching the southern portion of the city of Meade. Late Thursday, KDOT closed K-23 because of the fire from U.S. 54 to the Oklahoma state line. Kansas Wildlife and Parks also announced Meade State Park had been evacuated late Thursday afternoon.

The Englewood Fire Department shared a video from Clark County that shows what firefighters were facing late Thursday night, with thick smoke billowing from scorched ground and flames still spreading.