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Wichita Issues Burn Ban (UPDATED)

Abel Pau
/
Flickr

UPDATE:

The Sedgwick County Fire Department has lifted the temporary ban on open burning effective Monday.

Should ozone levels become elevated again, a ban may be reinstated by recommendation of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the city of Wichita’s Environmental Services office.


 

On Friday the Wichita Fire Department announced an immediate burn ban on all current burn permits issued in the city limits of Wichita.

The ban, which does not affect fireworks displays or the sale and use of fireworks, is due to high ozone levels in the Wichita area. It will remain in effect until the ozone levels have returned to an acceptable level.

The ban follows an earlier notice from local and state officials urging residents to respond to an Air Quality Health Advisory issued for the major metropolitan areas of the state.

Last week ozone concentrations in the Wichita area exceeded allowable levels, raising concerns about health consequences and possible federal sanctions.