Governor Kelly signs executive order to allow relief from transportation restrictions for wildfire response efforts
Kansas gov. Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers that are assisting in providing relief from the wildfires impacting parts of Kansas on Feb. 24.
“As Kansas communities grapple with the impacts of these damaging wildfires, it’s essential that they have access to additional resources for response and recovery efforts,” Kelly said in a press release. “In signing this executive order, we’re taking a critical step to facilitate the delivery of hay and other supplies that our farmers and ranchers need for fire suppression and emergency recovery.”
On Feb. 15, Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration in response to the wildland fires, followed by a written state of disaster declaration signed on Feb. 24. Several large fires have caused extensive damage to Kansans’ property, including agricultural land. The Feb. 15 emergency proclamation waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers under the conditions of providing direct assistance during an emergency for up to 14 days from the date of Gov.Kelly’s verbal state of disaster declaration. Executive Order 26-01 waives certain dimension restrictions and permit fees for motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts.
Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation, but fees associated with these permits have been temporarily waived. Permits may be obtained at https://k-trips.ksdot.gov/.
Additional information on Executive Order 26-01, including requirements and exemptions for carriers and drivers, can be found in a copy of the written state of disaster declaration at https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2026/02/24/file_attachments/3564122/Wildfire Disaster Declaration.pdf.
