Kdhe gives security tips for the prescribed fire season in Flint Hills in Flint Hills this spring

Topeka, Kan. (Wibw) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminiscent of March and April, when large areas of the state of the state are burned, especially within the Flint Hills.

The prescribed fire is a tool used by land owners and managers to maintain the Tallgrass -Prairie -Ecosystem, control invasive types, to reduce the interference of wood of species such as red -sized red cedar and to offer better food for cattle. The prescribed burn also reduces the risk of forest fires and is effective when managing Rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can affect the air quality of the exhaust gas areas. The use of smoke management techniques is of crucial importance to reduce air quality and health effects.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool in early March before it is widespread in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality effects on the exhaust gas areas. In the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma, an average of around 2.2 million acres of the average are burned each year.

Prescribed burns fill large amounts of particles and other pollutants that can form ozone at the ground level. Particles and ozone can cause health problems even in healthy people. Common health problems are: burning of eyes, running nose, cough and diseases such as bronchitis. People with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, children and older people are more susceptible to symptoms.

The steps to protect your health on days on which Rauch is present in your community include:

• Healthy people limit or avoid exhausting outdoor
• Vulnerable people should stay
• Keep the air clean in the interiors by closing doors and windows and let air systems run with air
• Stay hydrated by drinking a lot
• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as pain in the chest, the tightness of the breast, shortness of breath or severe shortness of breath

Copyright 2025 Wibw. All rights reserved.