CLARK COUNTY, Kan. – The Ranger Road Fire has consumed more than 280,000 acres as of Thursday morning after igniting Tuesday in Beaver County, Oklahoma and spreading northeast into southwest Kansas.

The rapidly advancing wildfire moved into Clark County, triggering evacuation orders for the communities of Englewood and Ashland. Residents left Tuesday night and early Wednesday, seeking safety in towns outside the immediate threat area. The evacuation orders were later lifted, allowing residents to return home.

A rancher reported losing some of his cattle in the fire, which began in the Oklahoma panhandle before crossing into Kansas.

The blaze continues to leave significant damage across southwest Kansas as it burns through large areas of land.

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