Federal aid approved to help Kansans recover from devastating grass fires
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - Federal aid is headed to the Sunflower State to help Kansans recover from the devastation of persisting grassland fires.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has announced that crews continue to monitor and provide resources to counties that progress in battles against wildland fires.
As a result, the Division said it requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency as multiple fires threatened Kansas towns. The fire near Yates Center in Woodson Co. was found to be a major disaster and led to the request’s approval on Friday, March 14.
According to agency leaders, the grant provides a 75% federal cost share. It is available to states, local and tribal governments, to mitigate, manage and control fires on publicly or privately owned forests and grasslands. The destruction is required to constitute a major disaster.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly verbally declared a disaster emergency on Thursday due to continued dry conditions that affect much of the Sunflower State. The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka was activated with partners to provide to county and local responders.
Agency officials noted that a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures continue to contribute to extreme fire risk. Any sparks that develop could quickly spread and become very difficult to control.
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