WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Open burning is officially prohibited across Wichita and much of Kansas in April, as part of the state's annual burn ban aimed at protecting air quality and public health. The ban, now in effect through the end of the month, affects 16 counties, including Sedgwick County. “This burn ban started a little over 15 years ago,” Bradley Crisp, Fire Marshal with Sedgwick County Fire District #1, told KSN. “The state wanted to give farmers and ranchers an opportunity to do agricultural burns — like in the Flint Hills — and try to minimize the impact that it has on air quality in counties like Sedgwick County and Johnson County and some of the more populated areas.” The Wichita Fire Department is suspending all burn permits in April and will not issue new ones until at least May 1. Restrictions cover brush, yard waste, and non-essential fires, but agricultural burning for pasture management is allowed under regulations if guidelines are followed. The restrictions come from the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, aimed at preventing agricultural burn smoke from raising ozone levels in urban areas like Wichita and Kansas City. High ozone levels can harm health, especially for those with respiratory issues, and may lead to expensive EPA nonattainment designations. Man charged with stealing from Kansas Catholic school “So during that timeframe, we ask residents of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and the surrounding communities and counties to minimize or eliminate their unnecessary burning,” Crisp said. “Don't burn brush piles and don't burn leaves and grass and let the farmers and ranchers do what they need to do to keep their pastures healthy and their cattle fed.” Crisp acknowledged that violations still occur. “It happens every day. As much as we try to communicate with folks about the burn ban, there are still gaps in communication, and some people just don't know,” he said. “We try to educate first, and if it becomes a problem, we have other remedies that can include a citation.” “First time’s a freebie — we give them a warning. Education is usually key,” he added. “Once they know, they're like, ‘Oh, I didn't know. I won't do that again.’” Residents should also be aware that local regulations vary when it comes to outdoor recreational fires. “Outdoor fire pits and chimineas kind of depend on the city that you live in — each city has their own rules,” Crisp said. “As a rule of thumb, you can use things to cook food on, but you're not supposed to burn things that are just emitting smoke, like chimineas.” “Each community is a little different, so you need to check the rules in the community that you live in,” he continued. If weather conditions allow, burn permits may resume starting May 1. However, Crisp cautioned that wind speed remains a factor. “If the winds are over 15 miles an hour, we're not going to allow burning of any kind, so it just kind of depends on the weather.” For more information on the burn ban or to check your city’s specific fire regulations, contact your local fire department or visit the City of Wichita’s website. ...read more read less