Regardless of the wind speed, there will be no burning in the Emporia city limits any time soon.
The Emporia Fire Department has enacted a burn ban until further notice. This follows a request from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to put a moratorium on open burns until further notice. Lyon County has not banned burning but Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell is strongly discouraging any outdoor burning for at least the next several weeks.
The reason for the state request is twofold, but both reasons deal with coronavirus. Particulate matter from the smoke may make symptoms worse for people suffering from respiratory conditions, including the common cold, seasonal allergies and COVID-19. Out-of-control grass fires may also divert emergency personnel who may be needed to transport coronavirus patients.
Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Tony Fuller echoes Fell’s statements regarding burning throughout the county.
Emporia normally halts outdoor burns in the city limits whenever wind speeds go above 15 mph.
