By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
High temperatures and a lack of moisture have again created extra fire concerns in Central Kansas. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission adopted Resolution 2026-17, another temporary burn ban for the county. Emergency Management Director Sean Kelly presented the item to the board of commissioners.
“Once again, we find ourselves in drought conditions,” Kelly said. “Lack of moisture and high temps have been beating us up. The fire chiefs have reached out to me to put in place a temporary burn ban again. We’re just afraid things are going to escape as we dry down even more. There is some rain in the forecast this week, but it’s not really wide-spread, soaking rains like we need. It’s just not been beneficial enough to get us out.”
All outdoor open burning is prohibited in the rural areas of the county. Agricultural burning for crop and pasture management practices may be exempted from this order only upon issuance of a written permit by the fire chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place. Kelly said the ban is an effect of drought throughout the entire county.
“If you split the county in half from the southwest to the northeast, the northeast portion is moderate, and the southwest portion in is severe,” he said. “We’re fighting it on both sides, and it’s just going to get worse until we start seeing some moisture.”
The temporary ban went into effect at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, and will remain in effect until lifted by the board of commissioners. Kelly will discuss conditions with fire chiefs each week until the ban is lifted. Violations of the resolution shall be punishable as a Class B misdemeanor confinement up to six months and/or a fine up to $1,000.