The Kansas Department of Health and Environment urged residents in Central and Eastern Kansas Friday to limit outdoor activity due to prescribed burns in the Flint Hills that are causing low air quality.
“Burning within the Flint Hills occurs annually to help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle,” a March 20 KDHE news release reads. “Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas and can be carried long distances.”
As of Friday morning, part of Wichita was experiencing an air quality index of 154, which is considered “unhealthy.” The city sent a news release Friday warning residents of the low air quality…