Just before 8p.m. Friday, officials reopened Carlson Road to traffic. Residents were allowed to return to their homes. Approximately 2000 acres burned. There were no injuries reported.

MAPLE HILL, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say about 120 people have been evacuated from an area west of Topeka because of a large wildfire.

The Wabaunsee&nbsp; County Sheriff said Carlson Road was closed between I-70 and the Kansas River Bridge.&nbsp; Numerous fire vehicles are operating at a major fire in the area.

 The Topeka Fire Department said in a tweet Friday that western Shawnee County should be avoided. The tweet said residents of Maple Hill and Willard have been urged to go to the nearby town of Rossville. 

Shawnee County Emergency Management interim director Errin Mahan said multiple fire departments are on the scene and that the Red Cross also is helping. 

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire danger warning for the area because of gusty winds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617404810732.png" alt="Heinen Brothers Agra Services has been requested to assist on a wildfire in Wabaunsee/Shawnee Counties-photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Heinen Brothers Agra Services has been requested to assist on a wildfire in Wabaunsee/Shawnee Counties-photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 8p.m. Friday, officials reopened Carlson Road to traffic. Residents were allowed to return to their homes. Approximately 2000 acres burned. There were no injuries reported.--------MAPLE HILL, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say about 120 people have been evacuated from an area west of Topeka because of a large wildfire.The Wabaunsee&nbsp; County Sheriff said Carlson Road was closed between I-70 and the Kansas River Bridge.&nbsp; Numerous fire vehicles are operating at a major fire in the area. The Topeka Fire Department said in a tweet Friday that western Shawnee County should be avoided. The tweet said residents of Maple Hill and Willard have been urged to go to the nearby town of Rossville. Shawnee County Emergency Management interim director Errin Mahan said multiple fire departments are on the scene and that the Red Cross also is helping. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire danger warning for the area because of gusty winds.

Update: Large wildfire forces evacuations in 2 towns