Phillips County KS Emergency Management

08/05/2026

🔥 What are firefighters seeing that raises concern for increased wildfire activity?

One of the biggest concerns is the long-term lack of rainfall across much of Kansas. As dry conditions continue, grasses and other vegetation lose moisture and become more likely to ignite and spread fire. This is especially true in areas with large, continuous stretches of grass or other vegetation that allow a fire to move quickly across the landscape.

🗺️ What does this map show? The numbers on the map represent how much precipitation each area of Kansas is above or below normal. While northeastern Kansas has received above-average rainfall, most of the state is experiencing a precipitation deficit. The longer these rainfall deficits continue, the drier our vegetation becomes and the greater the potential for wildfires.

Kansas has now reached a point where the conditions are being monitored. Kansas Forest Service will coordinate positioning of personnel and resources with our in-state partners, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM). Together, our goal is to be prepared to assist firefighters and communities in Kansas in responding to large, complex wildfires.

08/04/2026

Congratulations to our Phillips County Employee Float......
"Red, White, and Moo"

We won 2nd Place for "Most Unique," proving once and for all that "slightly unhinged, but in a fun way" is apparently an award-winning strategy. We'll proudly accept that title. 😄

To everyone who cheered us on, waved, or was unexpectedly introduced to a water balloon...just know it was thrown with love (or at least with reasonably good intentions). 😄

Cheers to August — enjoy the sunshine, soak up the last days of summer, and prepare yourselves… pumpkin spice season has arrived.

08/04/2026

Today, August 4, 2026, marks my one-year anniversary as the Phillips County Emergency Manager.

This past year has been full of learning (and I've discovered there is still a whole lot more to learn), but one thing is certain—it has never been boring.

Thank you to the Phillips County Commissioners and our community for giving me the opportunity to serve. Thank you to our firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, dispatchers, public works crews, hospital staff, volunteers, and county employees for welcoming me, answering my endless questions, and occasionally putting up with me...because, let's be honest, I can be a lot. 😄

I've truly enjoyed every challenge, every training, every meeting, and every opportunity to work alongside some incredible people. I couldn't ask for a better group to serve with.

If I'm doing my job well, you'll hopefully never need to see me on your worst day—that's the goal. But if you do, know that I'll be there, working alongside the amazing responders who serve this county every day.

Here's to another year of learning, preparing, and helping keep Phillips County ready for whatever comes next.

08/04/2026

A few scattered non-severe storms will be possible today and tonight into Wednesday morning. The overall best potential will come between noon and 6PM today as well as Wednesday morning. Highs are expected to range the 70s and 80s through Thursday, with an end of the week warmup possibly on the way.

08/04/2026

The August 2026 EM Newsletter has been posted on our website: Check it out here:

https://www.phillipscountyks.org/emergencymanagementmonthlynewsletters

08/03/2026

Phillips County Burn Ban Reinstated- 03-09 August 2026

Due to increasingly dry vegetation, worsening fire danger, high winds, low humidity, and continued drying conditions forecast this week, Phillips County has reinstated a temporary burn ban effective 1200PM 03-09 August 2026.

Forecast fire weather indicates fine fuels are becoming highly receptive to ignition, increasing the potential for rapidly spreading grass fires. Although Red Flag Warning criteria are not currently forecast, local fuel conditions support taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of preventable wildfires.

Outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice. The county will continue to monitor weather conditions and will reassess the burn ban following any significant rainfall or improvement in fire danger.
We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping protect our communities, firefighters, crops, livestock, and property. Please postpone any planned burning and use caution with equipment that could create sparks or open flames.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Help prevent wildfires.

— Phillips County Emergency Management & Phillips County Fire Chiefs

This decision is intended to prevent one escaped burn from becoming a fire that threatens homes, crops, livestock, or our volunteer firefighters.

08/03/2026

07/31/2026

Clearing skies today following the storms last night will bring a gradual warm up over the weekend and into the start of next week. Conditions will remain dry through the period with breezy northerly winds this afternoon gusting as high as 25 to 40 MPH.