Wichita, KS – A heightened risk of grassfires across south-central Kansas has prompted officials to urge residents to avoid outdoor burning through Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, extremely dry conditions combined with strong southwest winds are expected to produce “very high to extreme” fire danger from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Gusts may reach up to 45 mph, while humidity levels could drop as low as 10 percent—both factors contributing to rapid fire spread potential.
Communities most at risk include Wichita, Hutchinson, and Pratt, along with surrounding areas like Harper, Winfield, and Salina. The NWS warns that any spark—whether from machinery, vehicles, or discarded cigarettes—could ignite fast-moving fires that may be difficult to control.
Local emergency agencies strongly discourage burning of any kind during the alert period. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items, avoid using equipment that can produce sparks, and report smoke or flames immediately.
Fire danger alerts of this magnitude are not uncommon during Kansas’ dry spring season, but officials stress that this particular combination of wind and humidity is especially dangerous. Stay tuned to local weather updates and follow all county-specific advisories.
