Riley County Emergency Management

06/04/2026

Riley county Outdoor siren test today April 6 about 1030 am

03/04/2026

Expecting a line of storms to quickly develop this afternoon along a cold front. Not everywhere in the line will see severe weather, but scattered pockets of large hail and damaging wind gusts will be possible. Storms move off to the east by mid-evening.

27/03/2026

3/27/2026 EXTREME FIRE DANGER TODAY
No burning allowed in Riley County through this weekend as critically dry fuels and strong North winds will create EXTREME FIRE DANGER for the entire area.

Safety Precautions

✅ Check trailers and tow hitches for any chains or dangling wires that could drag and cause sparks

💥Use caution when operating power tools or machinery outdoors

🌾Avoid driving through tall grasses

🚭 NEVER throw smoking materials out of your vehicle—period. It only takes one cigarette to spark a disaster. Don’t start a wildfire that could endanger lives and property. Be smart. Be safe.

🚒Call 911 to report a wildfire.

A red flag warning is in effect from Noon through 9 PM. A fire weather watch is in effect from Noon Saturday through 10 PM. Postpone all plan burns.

26/03/2026

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded its stream advisory for the Tuttle Creek Cove on the Tuttle Creek Lake, as conditions have been evaluated and contact with the water has been deemed safe.

26/03/2026

🚨EXTREME FIRE DANGER TODAY – 3/26/2026

The rangeland fire danger index will be in the extreme category this afternoon. No burning is allowed in Riley County today, and probably for the next few days.

Extreme fire danger means that fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious.

Safety Precautions

✅ Check trailers and tow hitches for any chains or dangling wires that could drag and cause sparks

💥Use caution when operating power tools or machinery outdoors

🌾Avoid driving through tall grasses

🚭 NEVER throw smoking materials out of your vehicle—period. It only takes one cigarette to spark a disaster. Don’t start a wildfire that could endanger lives and property. Be smart. Be safe.

🚒Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Thanks for all you do to take care of the land and keep the community safe.

26/03/2026

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for much of the area Thursday noon to 8pm. Hot and dry weather along with gusty winds switching from southwest to northwest will create conditions conducive for fire spread. Do not burn!

25/03/2026

3/25/2026 Fire Danger Update
The US National Weather Service Topeka Kansas predicts elevated fire danger for our area through Saturday (at least) with windy, dry, and warm conditions.
See the graphics below for more details or follow the link for a PDF version from the NWS.
https://www.weather.gov/media/top/DssPacket.pdf

25/03/2026

Thank you Chad from National Weather Service Topeka for an awesome informative presentation

24/03/2026

Reminder that the National Weather Service severe weather presentation Tuesday March 24 7pm at Pottorf hall Cico park. Great info and free!!

22/03/2026

3/22/2026 EXTREME FIRE 🔥 DANGER AND RED FLAG WARNING FOR RILEY COUNTY

The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for EXTREME FIRE DANGER and a WIND ADVISORY in effect for Riley County today.

* TIMING...From 9 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening.

* WINDS...North 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 29 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...Up to 70.

* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. No outdoor burning is allowed.

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Small tree limbs could be blown down too. Isolated power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Please use extreme caution and check any recently burned areas frequently for rekindled fires. Do not cause a spark or fire outdoors. Call 911 if you see a wildfire.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution while driving. Secure outdoor objects.

22/03/2026

New reoced highs were set this afternoon (March 21, 2026) at Topeka, Manhattan, and Lawrence. Emporia probably did set a record high temperature, but records only go back to 1997 for Empora. Topeka also set the record high temperature for the month of March.

21/03/2026

3/21/2026 5:30 p.m. Wildfire Update for Riley County

It’s been another busy day for volunteer firefighters.

Wildcat Creek Road Fire
Smoke will continue to be visible as trees and logs burn, but everything smoking is surrounded by black and we have no major concerns at this time. We’ve been inspecting throughout the day and will continue to monitor.

50-Acre Fire North of Tuttle Creek Lake – 95% Contained
This is a fire of unknown origin. One home and two outbuildings were threatened by this fire, and thankfully all buildings were saved. Crews are now backburning to eliminate additional fuel sources and will continue to monitor throughout the evening.

Daniels Drive Fire – Contained
Units have cleared the scene except one heavy brush truck which requires repair. This was a rekindled fire that spread onto a neighbor’s property.

Summary and Safety Precautions
Fire danger will continue tomorrow, and no burning will be allowed Sunday, March 22. Conditions are incredibly dry, windy, and hot so please use caution outdoors and NEVER throw ci******es (or any kind of smoking materials) out of your vehicle. Please don’t ever do that.

Thank you to all the volunteer crews, supporters, families, friends, and community members who make these efforts possible. We appreciate you more than we can say.