Evacuation Order Lifted for NW Kansas Community After Wildfire; red flag (fire weather) warning Mentioned as Caution
Authorities lifted an evacuation order for the northwestern Kansas town of Herndon just after 7: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday, clearing residents to return after a large grass fire threatened the community earlier in the day. Fire the blaze is roughly 80% contained and posed no further threat to the city.
Containment, response and current status
Fire crews and emergency responders worked through the afternoon to halt the fire’s advance. Fire leadership said containment reached about 80% by early evening, allowing the county to lift the evacuation order for Herndon at approximately 7: 05 p. m. ET Tuesday. No injuries were reported during operations, and officials confirmed residents were safe to return to their homes.
Earlier in the day, the fire was tracked moving southeast toward Herndon from about 4 to 5 miles northwest of town. Emergency management noted crews positioned resources to protect structures and road access while crews focused on holding fire lines and extinguishing spot fires through grass and brush.
Evacuations, shelter and public guidance
Officials issued an evacuation for Herndon in the afternoon and asked residents to seek shelter in Atwood. The designated shelter location was the Redeemer Lutheran Church at 808 1st Street. Those who left the area were advised to remain at the shelter until authorities gave the all-clear; the shelter was stood down once the evacuation order was lifted.
Throughout the incident, emergency managers stressed the importance of following local directions, keeping access routes clear for responders and checking on neighbors who may need assistance. With containment increasing, recovery and assessment teams will inspect affected areas to confirm safety before fully reopening any restricted zones.
Outlook: weather, hazards and next steps
Officials warned that dry grass and wind can allow fires to spread quickly and noted that residents should monitor local weather alerts. Emergency messaging advised that any red flag (fire weather) warning issued by meteorological authorities should be taken seriously, as those warnings indicate conditions that greatly increase the risk of wildland fire ignition and spread.
Response teams plan to remain on scene to complete mop-up operations, check for hot spots and ensure containment holds through the overnight period. Residents returning to the community were asked to report any hazards they encounter and to avoid driving through smoky areas or across fire lines.
Authorities also reminded the public that even after a fire appears controlled, smoldering roots and underground fires can persist and rekindle, so caution and vigilance are still required in the days following this incident.
