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Even as winter approaches, homes and properties still face a risk of fire. State fire management officer with the Kansas Forest Service, Bill Waln, described what risks and causes to keep in mind in Kansas.

“It’s a mix of art and science when we talk about wildland fire management and wildland fire concerns. You know, when we teach it, we teach the fire triangle that’s it’s weather, it’s heat and it’s fuel. The fuel being the grass and the trees on the ground that burn, the heat being the daytime temperatures and the relative humidity. And that’s sort of associated with the weather as well in the wind, right? And so it’s a combination of those three factors that lead to how fire is going to burn or not burn on any given day,” said Waln.

He shared how you can help prevent wildfires.

“As fire managers in Kansas, we see controlled burns as a valuable tool for managing the landscape. We support their use, but timing is crucial. If high winds—say 50 or 60 mph—are expected the next day, it might not be the best time to burn. You need to pay close attention and take extra precautions, especially with downed wood and other fuel in the burn area, to ensure the site is properly mopped up and secure,” he said. “Just being aware of what you’re doing, how it may impact everything would be a huge win in the state.”

Waln said the most effective way for landowners to protect their homes and communities from wildfire is to take preventative steps long before a fire starts. Homeowners should clear flammable vegetation at least 60 feet from their house, keep lawns mowed and green, remove shrubs close to structures, clean gutters, and avoid highly flammable building materials like wooden shingles.

Good access for fire trucks is also crucial, which may mean trimming trees and clearing driveways. He encourages property owners to walk around their home to assess its vulnerability.

The Kansas Forest Service can assist by sending specialists to evaluate a property and offer recommendations.