Update 4/1/2023:
Officials report that the large wildfire that approached the El Dorado area is under control.
The fire was fueled by strong winds and low humidity, prompting evacuations on Friday. The incident also caused power outages and road closures.
An El Dorado resident named Dylan is among those who spoke with 12 News about what they experienced Friday, fearing for the worst and having little time to prepare.
Crews were still on scene into the evening on Friday to keep the blaze contained. Evergy crews were also on scene monitoring burned power poles.
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The Kansas Turnpike Authority has closed all lanes of I-35 at El Dorado near mile marker 71.5 because of a traffic accident and because of wildfires in the area.
Turnpike officials said the crash was caused by the wildfire, which generated smoke that drifted across the highway. Two people have critical injuries from the crash.
K-196 was also closed from K-254 north to 10th Street because of smoke from the wildfires. It was reopened around 5 p.m.
The northbound lanes of the turnpike were reopened around 3:30 p.m. but southbound traffic was still being diverted at mile marker 76 at El Dorado.
Butler County Emergency Management officials said people living west of Haverhill Road and north of Central (K-254) were urged to evacuate. Dispatchers were sending Reverse 911 calls to residents in the area. The evacuation order was lifted around 5 p.m.
Crews were battling six fires in Butler County, and there have been reports of structures damaged, but no reports of injuries related to the fires.
Oil Hill Elementary School in El Dorado was evacuated, and students were moved to the Circle High School gymnasium in Towanda.
The American Red Cross set up a shelter at the 4H community building on North Griffith.
Crews were also battling a grass fire in Sedgwick County, near 53rd Street North and 151st Street West.
Strong winds and dry conditions have created a fire danger for much of the state. Red Flag Warnings and high wind warnings are in effect.
[ photo courtesy Jake Petersen ]
