MANHATTAN, Kan. (Feb. 18, 2026) — Multiple wildfires have been burning across Kansas beginning on February 17, when the state began to experience higher winds and drier conditions than normal. Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency declaration before noon on Sunday, February 15, for fires anticipated from Tuesday until Thursday. Many of these wildfires have resulted in agricultural losses, including the loss of livestock.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has created a page on the KDA website to serve as a single location dedicated primarily to address agricultural impacts from wildfires where farmers, ranchers, and others in the industry can find resources to assist them in recovery. KDA continues to work with local, state and federal partners as well as agriculture organizations, all of which stand ready to assist as needed.
This page — www.agriculture.ks.gov/Recovery —will continue to expand and adapt as needs are made known.
KDA reminds those who are affected that in the early stages of wildfire, response and recovery, it is recommended to record and document as much as possible. Photos, receipts, and records of losses will be critical later in efforts to obtain assistance and reimbursement.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will continue to work with ranchers and veterinarians in the fire impacted areas to safely dispose of any livestock mortalities. For questions or concerns regarding the disposal of livestock mortalities, please contact the KDHE District Office in your area.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency provides several ways to access federal disaster relief funds following a wildfire. Fact sheets about several of those options as well as links to the USDA–FSA website can be found on the Kansas Wildfire Recovery Resources page.
