Burn Season is coming up for the Flint Hills Rangeland and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is giving some important reminders to those traveling through or living the the burn areas. Due to the large amount of particulate matter and other pollutants, it can cause health problems, which include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms. To protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community or on the roadways, healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities. More vulnerable people should remain inside. Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. The same applies if you are on the road.
These burns help preserve the Tallgrass Prairie, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average, in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.
