KANSAS (KSNW) — Several counties across Kansas have a burn ban in effect Monday.
Here is a list of burn bans for counties in KSN’s viewing area across the state:
Ford County Kansas Emergency Management issued a burn ban Monday. It is in effect until Monday, April 15.
Gray County Kansas Emergency Management issued a burn ban Thursday. It is in effect until further notice.
Burn Ban effective immediately
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-04
PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF LOCAL DISASTER EMERGENCY IN GRAY COUNTY, KANSAS.
WHEREAS, K.S.A. 48-932 authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to declare a state of local disaster upon a finding that a threat of a disaster is imminent in Gray County;
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has been advised by the Gray County Rural Fire the threat of disaster exists for the citizens of Gray County;
AND WHEREAS, the grassland and cropland of Gray County, Kansas, form an important part of our economy, provide for protection of watersheds, forage for livestock, refuge for wildlife and recreational opportunities. Wildfires endanger these resources, real and personal property, and the lives of residents and visitors in the area. Extremely dry, windy and unseasonably warm weather conditions have created an extreme fire hazard in the grasslands and croplands of Gray County. Once started these fires are difficult to control and strain both paid and volunteer fire department’s manpower and resources. The fire danger is extreme across Gray County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GRAY COUNTY, KANSAS, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.
Kansas.
The area affected by the imminent threat of disaster is Gray County
Section 2. The period of imminent threat of disaster affecting Gray County shall be from February 29, 2024, until April 15, 2024, unless this declaration is further continued or terminated in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932(a).
Section 3. During the period of imminent threat of disaster, the following activities are prohibited in Gray County:
a. Careless use of smoking material, including cigarettes, cigars and smoking pipes. Discard of smoking materials shall be in a manner which precludes any threat from smoldering remains.
b. Building, maintaining, attending or using any open fire or campfire, except in permanent stoves or fireplaces or barbecue grills in developed recreational sites or residential premises.
c. The sale, use or discharge of fireworks. The term “fireworks” shall mean any combustible or deflagrating composition, article or device suitable for use by the public for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration or detonation. This shall include both consumer and display fireworks.
d. Prescribed burning of all fence rows, fields, wild lands, ravines, trash and debris. Prescribed burning may be exempt from this resolution only if such is necessary for crop survival and has been specifically approved in writing by the fire chief in the jurisdiction where the burning is taking place. Burning stubble in preparation for second crop planting shall be included within the definition of ”crop survival.”
Section 4. All law enforcement and fire department agencies in Gray County shall enforce this resolution.
Section 5. A person who intentionally violates this resolution and declaration may incur a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per violation. Each penalty may be assessed in addition to any other penalty provided by law.
Section 6. This resolution shall be in full force and effect for the period of time stated in Section 2 of this resolution unless extended in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 48- 932.
Section 7. This resolution shall become effective upon publication in the official county newspaper. Further, this resolution shall be filed promptly with the Gray County Clerk and shall be given prompt and general publicity.
ADOPTED this 29th day of February, 2024.”
Gray County Kansas Emergency Management
A burn ban has been issued in Logan County Monday.
Norton County Kansas Emergency Management issued a burn ban Thursday. It is in effect until further notice.
Thomas County issued a burn ban on Friday, March 1. It will last through Friday, March 8.