Burn Bans Issued In Many Kansas Counties

Due to unseasonably hot and dry conditions, a number of Kansas counties have instituted burn bans until further notice.

These counties include Anderson, Atchison, Barton, Bourbon, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Clay, Decatur, Edwards, Ellsworth, Ford, Franklin, Graham, Grant, Greenwood, Gove, Hodgeman, Johnson, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Miami (portion under Johnson County Fire District No. 2), Mitchell, Morton, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Phillips, Rawlins, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stevens, Thomas, Trego and Wyandotte counties.

Stafford County has instituted a �??strong restrictions�?� burn ban, which means burning is only allowed if a site visit has been conducted by the fire department and the site is deemed safe for burning beyond a reasonable doubt.

In addition, some towns have issued burn bans. In some cases, these bans also prohibit the sale and use of fireworks. Kansans are urged to check with their city and county authorities on whether such prohibitions exist in their area.

�??All it takes is one little spark,�?� said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. �??Hot conditions like we have with low humidity and gusty winds quickly fan that spark into uncontrolled flames. We urge all Kansans to please obey these burn bans for their own safety and the safety of others.�?�