Volume 45 - Issue 10 - March 5, 2026
State of Kansas
Office of the Governor
Executive Order No. 26-01
Relief from Certain Transportation Restrictions for Wildfire Response
WHEREAS, since February 15, 2026, there have been several large wildland fires causing extensive damage to property, including agricultural land, and continuing since that time, weather conditions are such that a risk exists for more wildland fires. The forecast includes the potential for above normal temperatures, high winds, low relative humidity, and fire warnings or watches due to ongoing drought and dry vegetation. Activation of the state emergency operations center and state mission assignments may be needed to support local fire suppression efforts.
WHEREAS, these conditions meet the definition of disaster in K.S.A. 48-904, and I verbally declared a state of disaster emergency on February 15, 2026.
WHEREAS, agricultural producers throughout Kansas and in other states are delivering hay and fencing supplies to drop off points or directly to ranches affected by wildfires in multiple locations in Kansas for immediate relief from loss of winter feed supplies and extensive damage to fences. Furthermore, most donated hay will be in large cylindrically shaped bales that constitute loads that exceed the standard width and height.
WHEREAS, by operation of law 49 C.F.R. § 390. 23(b), my verbal state of disaster emergency on February 15, 2026, waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers provided in 49 C.F.R. §§ 395.3 and 395.5 so long as the motor carrier or driver is providing direct assistance during an emergency, up to 14 days from the date of the February 15, 2025 disaster declaration.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, including the authority granted me by K.S.A 48-924 and K.S.A 48-925, to address the conditions noted above, I hereby direct and order the following:
- Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation prior to operating; however, the fees associated with these permits are temporarily waived; permits may be obtained at https://k-trips.ksdot.gov/.
- Participating motor carriers bringing foliage for livestock are limited to a load that does not exceed 12 feet in width and does not exceed a height of 14 feet, six inches.
- Participating motor carriers operating under over-dimension permits under this executive order may not haul over-dimension from thirty minutes after sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise.
- All other applicable state and federal regulations shall apply to include but not limited to: Title 49 C.F.R. Part 382, Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing; the Kansas Motor Vehicle Driver’s License Act, K.S.A. 8-234 et. seq. and Title 49 C.F.R. Part 383 Commercial Driver’s License Standards as adopted by the Kansas Uniform Commercial Drivers’ License Act, K.S.A. 8-2,125 et. seq., the federal Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility (insurance requirements) Title 49 C.F.R. Part 387 as adopted by K.A.R. 82-4-3n and state insurance requirements as provided in K.A.R. 82-4-23, and the regulations governing transportation of hazardous materials in Kansas in 49 C.F.R. Part 107, 171, 172, 173, 177, 178 and 180 as adopted by K.A.R. 82-4-20.
This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 26-01 and shall become effective immediately. This order will continue in effect until 11:59 PM on March 1, 2026, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Dated February 23, 2026.
Laura Kelly
Governor
State of Kansas
Doc. No. 053921
