Prepare Kansas

Category: Wildfire

Wildfire Awareness Week, February 3-7, 2020

 

 

Wildfire Awareness Week reminds Kansans to remain vigilant as wildfire season approaches.

 

The Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies suggest the following to mitigate the risk of wildfire and reduce potential impacts if a wildfire does occur:

  • Create defensible space around homes by removing leaves and other plant debris and flammable material that could catch embers. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles. Provide adequate space between the home and trees or other landscaping.
  • Establish a community or neighborhood group to participate in or be a part of creating a wildfire mitigation and response plan.
  • Prevent wildfires from starting by avoiding activities that can spark fires near buildings and potential fuel sources.
  • Write and follow your burn plan for prescribed fire including checking the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the burn area to make sure it hasn’t reignited.
  • Consider volunteering with your local fire department. Quick responses by local fire departments prevent what could become a devasting wildfire.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Feb. 3-7, 2020, as Wildfire Awareness Week in partnership with the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and multiple state agencies. Read the full release here.

#WildfirePrepDay

Saturday, May 4 is WILDFIRE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS DAY. Learn more about how you can take part in community activities here.

This is also the time to prepare yourself and your family for wildfires. Get started with these simple actions.

1. Have a communication plan for how you will get information and stay in touch with loved ones.

2. Create a 30-foot zone of defensible space around your home.

3. Determine if you have sufficient insurance coverage to protect your property.