Evacuation order lifted for NW Kansas community after wildfire as red flag (fire weather) warning raises seasonal concerns
Just after 7: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday the evacuation order for the town of Herndon was lifted, local, as crews moved to secure the scene of a large grass fire that threatened the community earlier in the day. The Fire Chief placed containment at roughly 80% and indicated the blaze no longer posed an immediate threat to the city.
Containment and response
Fire crews and emergency personnel battled a rapidly moving grass fire that had approached Herndon from the northwest. At about 4: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday the blaze was estimated to be 4 to 5 miles northwest of the town and moving southeast, prompting preemptive protective actions. By early evening the Fire Chief assessed containment at around 80%, and command moved into a sustained suppression and mop-up phase.
No injuries were known as of 3: 30 p. m. ET Tuesday, and responders focused on protecting structures and preventing spot fires that could threaten neighborhoods downwind. Crews continued to monitor hot spots after the evacuation order was lifted, keeping engines staged to respond quickly if conditions shifted.
Evacuations and sheltering
Officials had placed Herndon under an evacuation order earlier in the afternoon and asked residents to seek shelter in Atwood. A temporary reception center was set up at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 1st Street in Atwood, where evacuees gathered for safety and information. With the lift of the evacuation order, residents were cleared to return to their homes once emergency teams completed perimeter checks.
Emergency personnel emphasized that returning residents should be prepared for restricted access in some areas and should follow the directions of on-scene responders. Vehicles and equipment are expected to remain in the area while firefighters complete mop-up operations and ensure there is no renewed threat.
Risk factors and next steps
Regional officials warned that dry, gusty conditions common during peak fire season can produce rapid fire growth. These same conditions are often associated with broader red flag (fire weather) warning concerns during periods of elevated danger, underscoring the need for residents to stay alert to changing conditions and to heed evacuation orders when issued.
Command staff said after-action assessments and damage evaluations will follow. Investigators will determine the fire's origin and any contributing factors while teams work to fully contain and extinguish lingering hotspots. Residents who evacuated were advised to check local communications for any follow-up instructions and to report any property damage to emergency management when it is safe to do so.
Authorities thanked the responding agencies and volunteer personnel for their rapid actions that helped protect the community. While this incident has been reduced to a lower threat level, officials reminded the public that vigilance is essential during fire-prone periods and that preparedness measures—such as clearing combustible materials from around structures and maintaining evacuation plans—remain important.
