Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas is working with United Way, Red Cross and other local agencies to provide assistance for individuals and families who have lost homes, property and livestock in the wildfires that continue to sweep through southwest Kansas.
Wildfires began in several southwest Kansas communities on Monday, and continue to burn, spurred by high and often shifting winds. Many individuals and families have been temporarily or permanently displaced as towns, including Wilson and Dorrance, were evacuated, and homes and property in the path of the fires were destroyed.
“When disaster impacts our communities, Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas Is ready and willing to help those affected to rebuild their lives,” said Debbie Snapp, executive director of Catholic Charities. “That’s what we do.”
In response to this wildfire disaster, Snapp said, “an assessment team from Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas will evaluate the most critical needs of wildfire survivors and the best way for others to help.”
In addition, United Way of Central Kansas Executive Director Julie Bugner Smith said those wanting to give can also do so through the United Way’s 211 of Kansas telephone service through the Wichita-based United Way of the High Plains. The United Way of Reno County also has a link to help the victims in that area.
Fire update
As wildfires burned in multiple counties across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor and coordinate assistance for the affected counties, Kansas Division of Emergency Management spokesman Stephen Larson said.
The counties of Clark, Ellis, Ellsworth, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Reno, Rooks and Russell were battling active fires. Fires in Clark County have destroyed more than 351,000 acres of land. Damage has been reported to approximately 30 structures and bridges in the county. Additional damage assessment will be completed when crews can enter restricted areas.
Ford County reports seven homes were destroyed. The fire department monitored hotspots overnight to keep fire away from structures.
Reno County officials estimate 6,000 acres have burned in the county; 4,500 acres of that is from the Highlands Area subdivision grassfire. At least 30 homes are destroyed, with the possibility that more are damaged. Local officials have been unable to get into the area to assess damages due to the fire.
An estimated 10,240 acres have burned in Rooks County. Two homes were destroyed. The grassfire is contained and fire departments have a plan to monitor hotspots.
A bridge in Meade County was also reported destroyed.
Evacuations were ordered in several communities, including Wilson, Dorrance and Ashland.
The KDEM has deployed their Communications on Wheels vehicles to Reno and Clark Counties to assist with communication with area residents. Reno County has also requested the Geospatial Information System vehicle to provide mapping support for the local incident commander in Hutchinson.
The KDEM is urging anyone wishing to contribute to disaster relief efforts ongoing in Kansas to donate cash to disaster relief organizations rather than donating goods. KDEM recommends Kansans consider donating to reputable disaster relief organizations of their choice or local organizations within the affected communities.
FEMA has approved Federal Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Clark, Comanche, Ellsworth, Ford, Lincoln, Ness, Rooks and Russell county fires. Additional requests may be made as the current emergencies continue.
FMAG grants are available to states and local governments for the control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands, which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. The program provides a 75 percent federal cost share and the state pays the remaining 25 percent for actual costs.
KDEM has received additional firefighting resources from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and from the National Forestry Service. A Type II Incident Management Team arrived from South Dakota late Tuesday.
Four helicopters equipped with 660-gallon Bambi buckets launched at daylight Tuesday to continue to assist affected counties with fire suppression. Two helicopters and crews are based out of Topeka and two are out of Salina.
The American Red Cross opened shelters for displaced residents in Coldwater and Dodge City. Plans called for those shelters to shut down Tuesday. The shelter at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 N Poplar Street, in Hutchinson will remain open until further notice.
A shelter also was opened in Jetmore at the 4-H Building on the Hodgeman County Fairgrounds.
There were multiple road closures due to the fires; all roads are currently open. Information on road closures is available from the Kansas Department of Transportation by calling 5-1-1 or visiting the Kandrive website at kandrive.org.
Live updates from the State Emergency Operations Center will be broadcast on Facebook live (Facebook.com/kansasemergency).
