The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are peak months for prescribed burns across the state’s rangelands, particularly in the Flint Hills. Prescribed fire is used by landowners and managers to maintain the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from plants like Eastern Red Cedar, and improve forage for cattle. It also helps lower the risk of wildfires and manage rangeland resources. However, smoke from these burns can affect air quality in downwind areas, making smoke management techniques essential to minimize health and air quality impacts.

To monitor this, KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool in early March before the Flint Hills burns begin. This tool uses fire data and current weather conditions to predict smoke levels and air quality impacts. On average, 2.2 million acres are burned annually in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma.

Prescribed burns release significant amounts of particulate matter and pollutants that can form ground-level ozone, leading to health issues like burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and bronchitis. Those with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

To protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community, follow these steps:

• Healthy individuals should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory or heart conditions, should stay indoors.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• If you experience symptoms like chest pain, tightness, shortness of breath, or severe coughing, contact your doctor.

For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling tool, please visit The Kansas Flint Hills Management Website.