Warm, windy weather raises concerns about fire danger; Sedgwick County calls for burn ban
Dry conditions and gusty winds could set the stage for fire danger weather this weekend, with Sunday posing the greatest threat.
Friday should have well-above normal temperatures in the 80s. The average temps for this time of year are in the 60s, meteorologist Andy Kleinsasser said.
Those above-average temperatures mixed with 30 mph wind gusts Friday and Saturday are not the only contributing factors. Persistent below-average rainfall since July has led to “dire drought conditions,” Kleinsasser said.
“It’s been extremely dry in the southern half of Kansas,” Kleinsasser said. “The drought in combination with that widespread freeze has basically allowed our fire season to start a little earlier than usual.”
Areas affected include Wichita and counties that are south of a line drawn from Topeka to Salina to Great Bend. Sedgwick County Fire District 1 implemented a burn ban on Thursday. It will remain in effect until “dry conditions improve significantly,” a county news release said.
During the burn ban, no outdoor burning is allowed, including open burning, chimineas or outdoor fireplaces. Active burn permits will be suspended and no new permits will be issued, the release said.
The greatest fire danger is forecast to be Sunday afternoon and evening, when temperatures in the high 80s and forecast 50 mph wind gusts will lead to “extreme fire danger,” Kleinsasser said.
Monday will still see elevated fire danger but that “it will ease off a bit,” Kleinsasser said.
“It doesn’t look as nearly as bad as this weekend,” Kleinsasser added.