Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a Proclamation declaring this week, February 13th through the 17th as Wildfire Awareness Week. The Proclamation highlights the need for wildfire awareness in Kansas and recognizes wildfires as a serious public safety concern for all residents of the Sunflower State.
December 1st marked the one-year anniversary of a devastating series of wildfires that affected the western parts of the state. In 2021, two people died in wildfires that also killed hundreds of cattle, destroyed buildings and scorched more than a million acres of land. The State Fire Marshal urges all Kansans to practice safe, responsible behavior when conducting any outdoor burning, especially as many counties experience their first burn bans of 2023. Be aware of your surroundings and weather conditions, and follow simple fire safety measures, which will prevent the majority of wildfires. Residents should report all suspicious fires and smoke.
