Volume 45 - Issue 4 - January 22, 2026
State of Kansas
Office of the Governor
State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Kansas Emergency Management Act, Chapter 48, Article 9, of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, to meet the inherent dangers of disasters to which the State and its citizens have been exposed, and upon advice of the State Adjutant General as the Director of the Division of Emergency Management, I hereby proclaim a State of Disaster Emergency as follows:
NATURE OF THE DISASTER
Fire danger is high across the state due to low humidity, dry fuels, and gusty winds exceeding 60 mph. These conditions are causing visibility issues for drivers, resulting in multiple overturned semis, road closures, and isolated wildland fires. The State Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated to enhance coordination among emergency support partners and expedite resources to local jurisdictions.
DATE THAT DISASTER AFFECTED THE AREA
December 18-19, 2025
AREA AFFECTED BY THE DISASTER
Russell County
I hereby proclaim, direct and order the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas to activate the disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan and to utilize all available resources of the state to cope with the disaster as necessary. The Adjutant General shall coordinate local and inter-jurisdictional disaster plans applicable to the political subdivisions of areas affected by this Proclamation.
Any or all of the powers conferred upon the Governor by the Kansas Emergency Management Act may be delegated to the Adjutant General as deemed appropriate during this period of proclaimed State of Disaster Emergency. This may be delegated by written orders, or oral orders subsequently reduced to writing with reference to this Proclamation.
I hereby suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the order or rules and regulations of any state agency which implements such statute, if strict compliance with the provisions of such statutes, order or rule and regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay in any way necessary action in coping with the disaster as set forth in KSA 48-925(c)(1).
This Proclamation shall be filed promptly with the Division of Emergency Management, the Office of the Secretary of State and each city clerk or county clerk, as appropriate, in the area to which this Proclamation applies. Further dissemination of this Proclamation shall occur by means calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public.
PROCLAIMED on the 18th day of December 2025, and MEMORIALIZED under the Great Seal of the State this 14th day of January 2026.
Laura Kelly
Governor
State of Kansas
Doc. No. 053819
