Heavy winds and low humidity yesterday were to blame for several grass fires across the High Plains, including one near Hays, Kansas resulting in the temporary closure of a portion of I-70, as well as one near McCook, Nebraska that prompted evacuations.
As KWCH reported yesterday afternoon, firefighters responded to at least 12 active wildfires across Kansas, after helping extinguish at least 19 fires. At least three fires were reported near Hays, resulting in the partial closure of I-70.
According to the Omaha World-Herald, a grass fire near McCook, Nebraska prompted evacuations in the northwest part of town.
Several small grass fires were also reported in the Oklahoma Panhandle, including one near Guymon and one near Laverne, and a fire in the Texas Panhandle, near Shamrock, burned about 300 acres before being contained.
Wind gusts across the High Plains ranged from between 35 and 70 mph yesterday but diminished overnight.
