The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued an air quality advisory for the Flint Hills region, because of seasonal burning that is going on this month.
Health officials have used a smoke modeling tool to look at fire data and weather conditions, and they are saying conditions will worsen because of existing smoke combined with weather patterns. The peak conditions are expected to be from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. with a brief reprieve possible between noon and 5 p.m. The advisory was issued on April 7th for central and north central counties in Kansas because of smoke from the seasonal burning in the Flint Hills.
March and April are the times when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned. The burning helps preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, and they help in controlling invasive species. The burning also provides better forage for cattle and reduces the risk of wildfires.
Because air quality levels can change quickly, people are urged to stay aware of current conditions. Prescribed burns can release particles and pollutants that form ozone, and that can cause health problems.
Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis.
If individuals live or have activities near these areas, they can take these steps to protect themselves when smoke is present:
- Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
- More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
- Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Contact their doctor for symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.
