Evacuation order lifted for NW Kansas community after wildfire as red flag (fire weather) warning remains a concern
Authorities lifted the evacuation order for Herndon just after 8: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday after a large grass fire threatened the town earlier in the day. Fire crews have brought the blaze to about 80% containment, and there were no injuries reported.
Containment status and local impact
The Rawlins County Sheriff's office said the evacuation notice for the city of Herndon was cancelled shortly after 8: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday, clearing the way for residents who had left to return home. Fire command advised that the main threat to the town had diminished as firefighters made significant progress on multiple fire lines.
Emergency officials gave an early estimate that the blaze was approximately 4 to 5 miles northwest of Herndon and was moving southeast at about 5: 00 p. m. ET. That movement prompted an evacuation order and the opening of a temporary shelter in Atwood at the Redeemer Lutheran Church on 1st Street for residents seeking refuge. By 4: 30 p. m. ET, officials confirmed there were no injuries related to the fire.
While crews report substantial containment, the situation remains fluid. Firefighters continued mop-up operations and patrols into the evening to guard against spot fires and flare-ups in areas where fuels remain hot or wind shifts could push embers toward unsettled ground.
Response, sheltering and safety guidance
Local emergency management and law enforcement coordinated the evacuation and sheltering response, prioritizing resident safety while crews worked to slow the fire's advance. The shelter in Atwood served as a centralized location for displaced residents while initial suppression efforts were underway.
Officials urged residents to check on neighbors, secure livestock and critical property where possible, and follow any local directives. Even with the evacuation order lifted, authorities advised continued vigilance: damaged vegetation, smoldering roots and hidden hotspots can pose renewed risk until full containment and cooling are confirmed.
Fire officials also highlighted broader fire-safety concerns tied to weather conditions. Periods when wind, low humidity and dry fuels combine can elevate the risk of rapid fire spread and are the kinds of conditions that lead to a red flag (fire weather) warning. Residents in fire-prone areas were reminded to avoid activities that could spark new fires and to report any new smoke or flames immediately to local emergency contacts.
What residents should do next
Those returning to Herndon were asked to remain cautious while inspecting homes. Before re-entering structures, residents should look for hot spots, downed power lines and structural damage. If utilities were disconnected as a precaution, homeowners should coordinate with utility providers before restoring service.
Officials will continue to monitor containment, and additional advisories may follow if conditions change. Community members are encouraged to stay tuned to local channels for updates and to heed any future instructions from emergency officials.
The swift response by local fire and emergency personnel limited damage and helped prevent injuries. Investigators will assess the blaze's origin and final acreage as containment operations wind down.
