red flag (fire weather) warning precedes evacuation; order lifted for NW Kansas community
Authorities lifted the evacuation order for the town of Herndon just after 7: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday after firefighters brought a large grass fire to about 80% containment. the blaze is no longer an immediate threat to the community and residents who evacuated are being cleared to return home.
Timeline and containment update
The evacuation that affected Herndon was issued earlier in the afternoon as a fast-moving grass fire headed southeast toward the town. Emergency management tracked the fire at roughly 4: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday, placing it about 4 to 5 miles northwest of Herndon and moving in the direction of the community.
By just after 7: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday, the sheriff's office lifted the evacuation order after fire officials assessed containment at approximately 80%. The fire chief stated that, with containment improving and active threats to the city diminished, it was safe for residents to return. No injuries were reported as of 3: 30 p. m. ET Tuesday.
Fire behavior, response and sheltering
Dry, windy conditions that prompted a red flag (fire weather) warning helped drive the fast spread of the grass fire earlier in the day. Firefighters worked to slow the advance and protect structures while emergency management coordinated sheltering for displaced residents. People who left Herndon were directed to seek shelter in Atwood at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 1st Street, until it was safe to go home.
Crews focused on establishing containment lines and extinguishing spot fires that threatened to reach town limits. Local responders monitored the perimeter and conducted patrols for hotspots through the evening. Officials emphasized that while the immediate danger to Herndon has lessened, conditions in the region remain volatile and crews will continue suppression and mop-up operations to prevent flare-ups.
What returning residents should know
Residents cleared to return should exercise caution. Officials advise homeowners to inspect properties for smoldering debris, downed power lines or damaged utilities before re-entering structures. If any signs of smoke, lingering fire, or structural damage are present, residents should move to a safe area and notify emergency personnel.
Vehicle access and some local roads may still be restricted while crews finish suppression work and emergency teams complete assessments. Residents should follow directions from county authorities about road closures and safety checks. Those with questions about their property or recovery steps are encouraged to contact local emergency management once they have returned.
Emergency crews will continue patrols overnight to ensure containment holds and to locate any remaining hotspots. Given the recent red flag (fire weather) conditions, officials warned that any renewed gusts or dry periods could increase the risk of new ignitions, and they urged vigilance from residents and landowners until the situation fully stabilizes.
