Conditions have been much more favorable for controlled outdoor burning this week.
Improved humidity levels at night and calmer winds during the day created longer windows for landowners to get in some prescribed burns this week, despite a lack of moisture to start the month. Deputy Chief Doug Russell, with Riley County Fire District No. 1, says they’re continuing to take a day-by-day approach to hopefully allow more windows for burning.
“There’s potential for some pretty decent gusts on Sunday up to 25 miles per hour, but then next week, the potential for some breezy conditions Monday but then it mellows again with some chances for storms. There could be a few good days to burn in there,” he said.
Meteorologist Chip Redmond, with Kansas Mesonet, says most landowners held off last week and with good measure, but expects a smoky next several days in the region.
“I’d expect a lot of smoke across the Flint Hills and it’s that time of the year. If you’re thinking about burning, keep in mind that just because we had rain doesn’t mean that fire won’t burn very aggressively as that grass will dry out within an hour. With humidity in that 20 to 30% range this weekend, it will dry out quickly,” he said.
Despite this, Redmond says the region is not out of fire danger yet, noting any outdoor burns should be checked and re-checked again this weekend for possible rekindling.
Fortunately for the Manhattan area, the threat of wildfires has been non-existent thus far. Neighboring areas such as Shawnee County weren’t as fortunate, but Russell says that fire did not take away any of Riley County’s manpower. With peak burning season ahead, he says the department could always use additional volunteer firefighters.
“Trying to get help is tough anymore and it seems like everybody is looking for volunteers,” he said.
Information about how to volunteer can be found at rileycountyks.gov.
