All area counties are in an air quality advisory.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the advisory shortly before 1 pm, based on forecast models indicating temperature inversions, where air temperatures are stable or climb with height instead of falling, and existing smoke from previous fires for several days.
The advisory is open-ended and will be canceled when conditions improve. High temperatures will gradually climb to around 80 degrees by Wednesday, with wind speeds at or below 20 mph at least until then.
The advisory specifically points out cities like Topeka, Manhattan and Salina, but KDHE spokesman Matthew Lara says Lyon and surrounding counties are included because of the potential health impact.
March and April are the busiest months for grass fires across Kansas. KDHE says controlled burns help to preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce encroachment from plants like Eastern Red Cedar and give cattle better forage. However, the smoke can also negatively impact air quality as far north as Minnesota and as far east as Tennesssee, depending on the wind direction. The smoke can also trigger allergies or cause health issues ranging from burning eyes and runny nose to bronchitis.
KDHE suggests several steps to reduce the impact of smoke on daily lives:
*Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
*More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
*Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
*Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
*Contact their doctor for symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.
KDHE maintains information about the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, smoke modeling tool and April burn restrictions online at ksfire.org.
