Colorado Wildfire Crosses into Kansas

A large wildland fire that originated in Colorado crossed into Kansas yesterday evening, affecting Stanton and Morton Counties.

Local firefighters are being assisted by crews from multiple surrounding Kansas and Colorado counties. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Nebraska National Guard have been requested and will arrive Wednesday afternoon. An earlier report incorrectly indicated Black Hawk helicopters from the Kansas National Guard were on standby.

Approximately 90 homes have been evacuated from the two counties, including homes in the town of Richfield in Morton County. A shelter has been established for residents displaced by the fire in Morton County at the Elkhart City Hall, 433 Morton. At this time, the shelter has no people staying there.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka will remain staffed 24/7 by personnel from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the Kansas National Guard, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Forest Service, Department of Children and Families and the American Red Cross. Other emergency support function agencies may be requested as the situation develops.