Wildfire in Seward, Kansas

Wildfire February 17, 2026 – February 20, 2026 · Seward, Kansas

$125K

Crop damage

What the National Weather Service wrote

Kansas Forest Service reported the Andrew Lane fire began in Seward County before spreading into nearby Meade County. The exact acreage in Seward County is unknown, but the fire burned a total of 7,217 acres. The fire began on February 17, and was controlled by February 20. No structures were threatened from this fire.

The wider storm

Strong mid-upper level trough ejected into the Plains early on February 17 which led to a rapid deepening of a surface cyclone. Strong winds developed behind the cold frontal passage, leading to numerous high wind reports across central and western Kansas. Large wildfires spread quickly as a result of the strong winds.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 1319638. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.

Tornadoes near your address

See every tornado that passed near a place you know, measured to its path.