Grass fires got off to an early start in Lyon County on Sunday.
Crews from Emporia Rural and Olpe battled a fire that was reported in the 1100 block of Road E, about five miles west of the Emporia Municipal Airport. shortly before 7 am. The fire burned about 60 acres before it was put out just before 8 am. The cause is undetermined.
Wind speeds were under 20 mph when the fire started, but they increased to nearly 30 mph by the time the fire was extinguished.
Wind speeds are a concern Sunday because they could gust as high as 40 mph, meaning outdoor burns are once again strongly discouraged in all area counties and landowners are asked to check previous fires to reduce any risk of rekindles.
Chase and Osage counties have announced a burn ban until early Monday.
The activity early Sunday follows several small grass fires that developed in Lyon County with light to moderate breezes Saturday and another round of grass fire activity in blustery conditions Friday. More windy conditions are expected Tuesday across the KVOE listening area.
This also comes at the start of the annual burn restrictions for area counties as part of the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan. The plan allows for controlled pasture burns, ceremonial fires and grilling, but debris piles, crop residue and construction waste cannot be burned through the month.
