Critical fire danger is setting up for most of the KVOE listening area Sunday, including Emporia.
Red flag warnings will impact Lyon, Coffey and Morris counties from 12-8 pm. The National Weather Service expects temperatures in the mid- and upper 60s along with southerly gusts as high as 35 mph and relative humidity levels around 15 percent Sunday afternoon and evening, setting up the extreme fire danger even after up to 4 inches of snowfall across Lyon County on Thursday.
Red flag warnings are coming for Chase and Greenwood counties from 12-9 pm. Temperatures in the 60s will combine with southerly wind gusts as high as 40 mph and relative humidity levels as low as 15 percent to create a critical fire danger.
Chase County was already in a county-wide burn ban for Sunday because of the expected fire weather conditions. Outdoor burns are now banned in the warned counties. Because of the recent snowfall, conditions will be muddy for fire crews if they are called out.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
7:30 am Sunday: Red flag warning posted for Greenwood County on Sunday; stubborn tree fire develops north of Plymouth
Outdoor burning is banned in two area counties Sunday due to the fire danger.
A red flag warning is coming for Greenwood County from 12-9 pm, replacing a fire weather watch announced Saturday. Temperatures in the 60s will combine with southerly wind gusts as high as 40 mph and relative humidity levels under 20 percent to create a critical fire danger.
Chase County is in a county-specific burn ban all day Sunday for similar conditions.
Lyon County fire crews handled a stubborn tree fire in northwest Lyon County early Sunday. The fire at 2067 Road C, about five miles north of Plymouth, was reported shortly after midnight and was part of a controlled burn. Emporia Fire Capt. Wade Schmidt says the rest of the controlled burn stayed under control, but the tree kept burning — so firefighters cut it down and let it burn overnight.
4:10 pm Saturday: Fire Weather Watch issued for Greenwood County; Chase County in burn ban
Snowfall and frigid cold closed out the week and now high fire danger will open the coming week.
The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Greenwood County from noon to 9 pm Sunday. The current forecast is calling for temperatures near 70 degrees, low humidity and high winds between 15-20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph possible at times.
Due to the conditions, any fires that develop will likely spread quickly and become difficult to maintain. As such, burning will not be recommended in Greenwood County Sunday and it will be outright prohibited in Chase County. A Countywide burn ban is currently in place for Chase County until further notice according to Fire Chief Steve Fillmore.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s and 60s through the first half of the workweek before highs reach into the upper 70s by Wednesday with a high of 75 forecasted.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more weather updates as they become available.
