April burn restrictions go in effect this week

Wichita’s annual April burn restrictions go into effect this week.

The restrictions, which include no new burn permits for the month and a suspension of current permits, begin Wednesday and extend through April. They are intended to offset the impact on the ozone from the burning of winter-killed prairie grass in the Flint Hills over the coming weeks, said Tonya Bronleewe, air quality specialist for Wichita.

Outdoor cooking – such as barbecues – will be allowed, Wichita Fire Marshal Brad Crisp said, but other open fires and the use of chimeneas will not be permitted.

The restrictions are the result of state regulations enacted in 2011 to address air pollution in urban areas. The regulations are intended to discourage open burning in 16 counties straddling the Flint Hills during April, which is “burning season” in the last large section of tallgrass prairie left in the United States.

Anyone with questions about the burn restrictions can call the fire prevention division at 316-268-4441 or the city’s Office of Environmental Health at 316-268-8353.

This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 12:49 PM with the headline "April burn restrictions go in effect this week."