TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Kansas Division of Well being and Setting issued a health advisory for the upcoming Flint Hills Burning Season.
March and April is prairie burning season within the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma, in response to the KDHE. The burning is carried out to assist handle and protect the pure ecosystem of the tallgrass prairie, management invasive species, cut back woody encroachment from species comparable to Japanese Purple Cedar and Sumac and supply higher forage for cattle however the smoke created from the managed fires can have a damaging impact on air high quality.
To assist maintain tabs on the fires and air high quality, the KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool on March 1 which makes use of pc fashions to foretell the potential contribution of smoke to downwind air high quality issues. Over two million acres are burned on common within the Flint Hills yearly in Kansas and Oklahoma.
“For the twelfth-consecutive 12 months, we’re proud to have the chance to offer this necessary instrument for the prescribed hearth group,” stated Douglas Watson, meteorologist on the KDHE Bureau of Air. “We proceed to encourage ranchers and land managers to benefit from this smoke modeling useful resource to unfold out their burns extra successfully and mitigate potential air high quality impacts.”
The burns launch massive quantities of particulate matter and different pollution into the air that may type ozone. These can impact your well being by inflicting burning eyes, runny nostril, coughing and diseases comparable to bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory points, pre-existing coronary heart situations or lung ailments, youngsters and aged are extra susceptible to experiencing signs.
As a way to defend your well being on days when smoke is current, the KDHE recommends the next:
- Wholesome folks ought to restrict or keep away from strenuous out of doors train.
- Extra susceptible folks ought to stay indoors.
- Assist maintain indoor air clear by closing doorways and home windows and working air conditioners with air filters.
- Keep hydrated by ingesting plenty of water.
- Contact your physician in case you have signs comparable to chest ache, chest tightness, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue.
For added details about the burning within the Flint Hills, click on here.