Governor Declares Disaster Emergency for Butler County Wild Fire

Governor Declares Disaster Emergency for Butler County Wild Fire

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has declared a State of Disaster Emergency for Butler County in response to a large wild fire that has burned approximately 3,000 acres between Towanda and El Dorado near Kansas Hwy 196, U.S. Hwy. 254 and the Kansas Turnpike.

"We are fortunate that no one has been injured by this fire, but due to drought conditions across Kansas, there is an extreme, continuing danger of wild fires," said Gov. Sebelius. "Currently there are more than 40 counties that have issued burn bans. We must do everything possible to ensure the fire is under control and prevent additional fires."

The governor issued the declaration in order to coordinate state personnel and assets to assist local authorities battling the fire. Kansas Emergency Management is coordinating response efforts by more than 34 state and local agencies. These agencies include the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Forestry Service, Hutchinson Community College, Butler County Fire Department, Butler County Sheriff's Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka has been activated to a Level III status (partial activation).

According to Kathy Guy, assistant director of Butler County Emergency Management, flames are threatening a housing development and approximately 100 homes have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. No injuries have been reported, although there has been one major automobile accident reported on the turnpike due to poor visibility. Three oil wells were reported on fire and one barn and two outbuildings have been burned.

"Protecting the health and safety of Kansas citizens is our top concern," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security and the adjutant general.

http://www.ksgovernor.org/news/docs/news_rel030806a.html