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Russell County proclaims seven-day local disaster after March 12 fires
Summary
The Russell County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-4, declaring a State of Local Disaster Emergency for the entire county following fires near Wilson Lake on March 12, 2026; the proclamation cites K.S.A. 1976 Supp. 48-932 and remains effective seven days unless renewed.
The Russell County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-4 on March 16, 2026, proclaiming a State of Local Disaster Emergency for Russell County after fires near Wilson Lake on March 12, 2026. Emergency Manager David Elliott presented the proclamation, which covers the entire county and invokes the Kansas Emergency Preparedness Act.
The resolution cites K.S.A. 1976 Supp. 48-932 and grants the board the authorities provided under that statute to respond to the emergency. The document specifies the proclamation “shall remain in effect for a period of seven (7) days unless terminated earlier or renewed by consent of the governing body.” Commissioners voted to adopt the resolution without opposition; the motion was made by Duke Strobel and seconded by Alan Kuntzsch.
Next steps include any emergency actions authorized under the proclamation and potential requests for state assistance that the county may pursue as responses continue. The commission did not specify a renewal timeline during the March 16 meeting.
