A burn ban is imposed in Wichita and 16 counties by the State of Kansas through the entire month of April. According to a news release, restricted activities include burning the following:
- Trees and brush from land clearing;
- Crop residues;
- Construction debris; and
- Yard waste.
To comply with the regulations, the Wichita Fire Department 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, 2026.
This ban does not include:
- Outdoor cooking apparatuses;
- Ceremonial fires;
- Open burning for the purpose of crop, range, pasture, and wildlife or watershed management in accordance with K.A.R. 28-19-648; and
- Fires related to the training of government or industrial personnel in fire fighting procedures.
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.
These exceedances could cause the region to go out of attainment and violate regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency. 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.
Questions should be directed to the Environmental Quality Specialist, Lizeth Ortega at (316) 268-4413 or via email at lortega@wichita.gov or the Community Risk Reduction Division at (316) 268-4441. For more information on Wichita’s air quality, visit BeAirAwareKS.org, wichita.gov or follow City of Wichita social media for air quality forecasts and updates.
