Evacuation order lifted for NW Kansas community as red flag (fire weather) warning concerns linger

Herndon, KS — The evacuation order for the town of Herndon in northwest Kansas was lifted just after 8: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday after emergency crews gained the upper hand on a large grass fire that threatened the community earlier in the day. Fire officials say the blaze is roughly 80% contained and no longer poses a threat to the city, and those who evacuated are being allowed to return home.

Evacuation lifted after containment improves

The Rawlins County Sheriff's office lifted the evacuation late Tuesday evening after the fire chief confirmed significant containment progress. By 8: 00 p. m. ET the immediate danger to Herndon had eased, and law enforcement opened the town for residents to return. No injuries had been reported during the incident.

Officials emphasized that while containment is substantial, crews will remain on scene to extinguish hotspots and monitor the perimeter. Residents returning to the area should exercise caution, watch for firefighters and emergency vehicles, and report any hazards or signs of renewed fire activity to county authorities.

Timeline and local response

The incident prompted an evacuation earlier Tuesday after a large grass fire was observed moving southeast toward Herndon. Emergency management assessed the fire at approximately 5: 00 p. m. ET as being about 4 to 5 miles northwest of the town and advancing in the direction of the community.

Local leaders activated an evacuation plan and directed displaced residents to shelter in Atwood at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 1st Street. At 4: 30 p. m. ET officials confirmed there were no injuries. Firefighters and emergency personnel from the county worked through challenging conditions to slow the fire’s spread and protect structures.

Seasonal dry conditions and strong winds can cause grass fires to spread rapidly, complicating suppression efforts. Those factors make swift evacuations and coordinated response critical when a fire threatens populated areas.

What residents should know now

Residents returning to Herndon should be prepared for visible firefighting activity and temporary traffic controls. Officials urge people to:

• Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management while re-entering town;
• Keep a watchful eye for smoldering debris, fallen power lines, or other hazards and report them immediately;
• Allow fire crews to complete mop-up operations without interference to reduce the chance of rekindling;
• Check homes and outbuildings for heat, smoke, or embers and take photographs for insurance purposes if damage is suspected.

Officials also advised residents to remain alert to further updates as crews work to fully contain the incident. Even with an evacuation lifted, weather and fuel conditions can change quickly during peak fire season and could require renewed response if the situation shifts.

Investigators and fire personnel will continue assessing the scene into the night, and county authorities will release additional information on containment status, road access, or long-term recovery steps as they become available. For now, the community can begin the process of returning to normal while staying mindful that firefighting operations remain active.