Multiple wildfires have been burning across Kansas as of Tuesday, Feb. 17, when the state began to experience higher winds and drier conditions than normal.

Some Kansas cities were forced to evacuate as the fast-moving wildfires spread. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for three counties.

Kansas is set for a dramatic weather shift this week, as areas recently under red flag warnings for fire danger now face the possibility of snowfall.

The largest fire has burned 145,000 acres in Oklahoma and Kansas. It is considered 0% contained.

Meteorologist Reed Timmer posted video of whirling columns of fire while chasing wildfires that swept into southwest Kansas from Oklahoma.

Officials expect elevated fire danger to continue through Thursday.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal said Kansas and Oklahoma firefighters were injured while fighting the wildfires on Tuesday night.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of volunteer firefighters fell to a historic low in 2020. Recruiting younger volunteers has become a growing challenge for departments across the country.