Fires remain a concern across Kansas after strong wind storm

By MARGARET STAFFORD
Associated Press

Firefighters and emergency responders are battling fires spreading across parts of central and western Kansas after a powerful storm blew through the state. The Kansas Forest Service says 400,000 acres burned in 11 counties in western Kansas, with smaller fires in other counties. The high winds churned up heavy dust, and three people died in two accidents in southwest Kansas because of reduced visibility. Emergency management officials say several homes, outbuildings and other structures were destroyed by Wednesday’s fires but no deaths have been reported. The fires were fueled by winds that reached up to 90 mph in some spots, combined with dry grasses and low humidity.