City officials are reminding Wichita residents that open burning in certain areas of the state, including Wichita, is restricted during the month of April.
The burn ban is imposed in sixteen counties by the State of Kansas through the entire month of April. Restricted activities include burning trees and brush from land clearing, crop residues, construction debris, yard waste and the use of backyard chimineas and fire pits.
To comply with the regulations, the Wichita Fire Department (WFD), will enforce an open burning ban during April. Effective April 1, no new burn permits will be issued and all previously issued burn permits will be suspended until at least May 1. Live fire training is also suspended during this time.
This ban does not include outdoor cooking apparatuses, ceremonial fires, or open burning for the purpose of crop, range, pasture, and wildlife or watershed management in accordance with K.A.R. 28-19-648.
The state regulations were implemented in response to the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan. This plan was implemented to address concerns that smoke from Flint Hills agricultural burning during April impacts urban areas by significantly increasing ozone levels, specifically in the Wichita and Kansas City areas.
“Ensuring Wichita does what we can to stay in compliance with national ozone standards is crucial,” said Public Works & Utilities Director Alan King. “Flint Hills agricultural burning can cause Wichita air to be at risk of exceeding those standards, which can not only be unhealthy for residents, but result in hefty fines.”
These exceedances could cause the region to go out of attainment and violate regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A “nonattainment” designation could cost businesses and residents millions of dollars due to increased regulations. In addition to financial impacts, high ozone levels can present risks to public health. The City urges residents to do their part to Be Air Aware and reduce ozone by complying with the April burn ban.
Questions should be directed to the Environmental Quality Specialist, Nina Rasmussen at (316) 268-4413 or via email at nrasmussen@wichita.gov or the Community Risk Reduction Division at (316) 268-4441.