Kansas Wildfire Season Off to Early, Above-Average Start

The contents of this blog are from an interview conducted with Shawna Hartman, Kansas Wildfire Prevention Specialist.

Wildfire Season

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An active start to the 2026 wildfire season has raised concerns across Kansas and surrounding states, with conditions pointing toward an above-average year for fire activity.

According to Shawna Hartman, this year’s fire season began earlier than normal and has already produced several large fires across the region.

“The forecast for wildfire season for 2026 was to be above average, and it started out early,” Hartman said. “We had a lot of big fires in February in southwest Kansas, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and even into Texas, and then large wildfires in Nebraska in March.”

Kansas firefighters have already responded to an above-average number of large fires this season, with dry conditions continuing to drive concerns—particularly in western parts of the state.

Conditions Still Favor Fire Growth

While parts of eastern Kansas are beginning to see spring green-up, which can help slow fire intensity, the threat is far from over.

“As we move into April, fire behavior typically starts to lessen as green-up happens,” Hartman explained. “But we can still have large fire growth, especially in western Kansas where drought conditions persist.”

Extended dry periods—some areas seeing more than 65 days without significant rainfall—combined with hot temperatures and low humidity continue to create ideal conditions for wildfire spread.

Human Activity a Leading Cause

One of the most important takeaways for producers and residents is that most wildfires are preventable.

“Over 90 percent of our fires are from human action,” Hartman said.

While lightning can spark some fires, the majority are caused by everyday activities. Common contributors include escaped prescribed burns, unattended brush piles, and equipment use during dry, windy conditions.

“Welding on windy days, dragging chains on highways, road grading, and even mowing can cause sparks,” Hartman said. “We just had a large fire along I-70 from a dragging chain.”

Being mindful of outdoor activities—especially during high wind events—can significantly reduce wildfire risk.

Planning Ahead is Critical for Producers

With fast-moving fires common across Kansas, preparation is key—especially for farmers and ranchers managing large areas and livestock.

“It’s really important to prepare for wildfire season when it’s not wildfire season,” Hartman said.

Having a plan in place ahead of time allows producers to act quickly when a fire starts. That includes identifying trigger points for moving livestock and knowing where animals can be relocated safely.

“Moving livestock to areas with less vegetation—like overgrazed pastures, wheat fields, or closer to a farmstead—can reduce losses,” she explained.

Reducing fuel around homes, barns, and pastures is another critical step. Creating fire breaks or lowering vegetation can help slow a fire’s intensity and give firefighters a better chance to protect property.

“The goal is to bring the fire intensity down as it reaches your property,” Hartman said.

Looking Ahead

Even as the current wildfire season begins to wind down, Hartman encourages producers to think ahead.

“Thinking about what you can do over the summer to reduce fuel around your home, farmstead, and pastures is one of the best things you can do,” she said.

Simple steps like clearing dry vegetation, maintaining defensible space around structures, and developing a wildfire response plan can make a significant difference when conditions turn dangerous again.