Russell County wildfire forces evacuations in multiple towns

(KWCH) - Thursday morning update: Russell County has opened its 4-H building as a collection site for supply donations.

The county said it is requesting that everyone avoid bringing donations directly to the affected areas, and instead, allow organizers to get the supplies needed supplies.

At this time officials have identified the following as the most pressing needs: Hay for livestock, generators, food and water/Gatorade, loaders/skid-steers/tractors with buckets. The K-State Extension organizing effort. information will come from here: https://www.facebook.com/MidwayKSRE

People are asked to avoid donating personal items or clothes at this time. Follow updates: https://www.kwch.com/2021/12/16/russell-ranchers-lose-property-animals-wednesday-fires/

Late Wednesday night: Evacuations continued Wednesday night in a few towns in northern Kansas as rapidly-moving grassfires threatened to damage homes and buildings. In Russell County, people in the unincorporated communities of Waldo, Paradise and Fairport were evacuated.

In Ellis County, crews fought to contain fire before it spread to the town of Ellis.

7 p.m. Evacuations are underway in Russell County where crews are fighting a wildfire.

According to the emergency manager, the towns of Waldo, Paradise, and Fairport have all been evacuated due to the growing fire. Evacuees are being sheltered at the Russell 4H building in Russell.

The Russell County fire is just one of many that sparked on Wednesday, fueled by high winds, some topping 100 miles per hour.

4:40 p.m. The City of Ellis said the town is in immediate fire danger. Residents have been asked to voluntarily evacuate their homes on the west side of town from Baughman to Cottonwood.

The Sheridan County Emergency Management calling on residents to evacuate immediately due to a grass fire.

The fire is located near 140 S. between 30 E. and 150 E.

Per a post on Facebook, residences are being told to move out of the area for an un-contained wildfire.

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