Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issues a verbal state of disaster emergency due to critical fire weather conditions across much of the state.

The declaration was made in response to Red Flag warnings and an increased risk of wildland fires. Kansas Forest Service Chip Redmond says over the next few days there is a high potential for wild land fires.

The emergency proclamation allows the state to mobilize resources and provide assistance to local agencies if needed. Governor Kelly says weather conditions over the next several days pose a serious wildfire threat and is urging Kansans to avoid burning and follow all local burn bans and regulations.