(WICHITA, Kan.) — Cheyenne, Rawlins, and Sherman counties have all banned open burning within the county.
This includes but not limited to controlled burning of grass or fields, fire pits, charcoal grills, trash, yard debris, and in many locations also restricts the use of fireworks.
There are also burn bans in Anderson, Barton, Decatur, Franklin, Gove, Graham, Logan, Mitchell, Morton, Ottawa, Pawnee, Phillips, Rooks, Thomas and Trego. The city of Olathe has also issued a burn ban.
The combination of above normal temperatures, below normal precipitation, low relative humidity, and wind has caused high fire risk for much of the area.
There are things you can do to prepare for and mitigate risk should your home or property be involved in wildfire disaster.
- Remove vegetation including grass and weeds away from foundations of structures.
- Use rock, concrete, or fresh dirt as fire barrier around base of home or structures.
- Keep trees, bushes, and shrubs trimmed and away from structures.
- Have sprinklers and water hoses readily available to wet area around your property.
- Keep grass and weeds mowed, and cautious while driving or parking vehicles or equipment in tall vegetation.
- Rural residents should plow a fire barrier around property or equipment that neighbors grass, wheat stubble, or other vegetative fields and keep a tractor and disc nearby if available.
- Livestock fencing should be kept in good repair if using electric fence chargers.
As with any emergency always make a plan with your family in the event of evacuation, and have a to go kit available. For more information on what to include in an emergency kit, and preparedness for family visit http://www.ksready.gov and click on how to be prepared.
Check with your local authorities about restrictions on the use of fireworks in your area. Fireworks went on sale in Kansas on Wednesday.
