By Scout Nelson
Kansas, commonly known for its prairie landscapes, faced a staggering 8,000 wildfires in 2022. This number is notably higher than the state's typical average, with a jump of around 3,000 additional fires. While droughts can be blamed in part for this uptick, the changing landscape, altered land management practices, and shifting vegetation play significant roles.
Mark Neely, the fire management officer at Kansas Forest Service, explains that the elevated fire risk isn't just because of dry conditions. Proper land maintenance, such as yard mowing, leaf cleaning from gutters, and appropriate firewood storage, can reduce this risk.
A significant initiative taken to address this concern is the Wildfire Risk Assessment tool. This online tool, constructed by Darci Paull, a geographic information systems analyst with KFS, aids not just individual landowners but also community leaders and emergency managers. With a simple address input, users can quickly identify the fire risks associated with their location.
The tool offers detailed reports that suggest mitigation strategies. It's especially handy for those in decision-making positions, like emergency management professionals, since it incorporates a comprehensive 34 datasets, offering in-depth insights.
Neely emphasizes that while this tool is beneficial, it won't entirely prevent wildfires in Kansas. Instead, its primary purpose is to bolster resilience against the inevitable fires that could jeopardize homes, property, or livestock.
For those interested in learning more about the Wildfire Risk Assessment tool for community planning, the Kansas Forest Service has organized training sessions in Wichita and Manhattan on Oct. 10 and Oct. 12, respectively.
More details and registration processes can be found on www.kansasforests.org, with a nominal fee of $10 for attendance.
Photo Credit: ontario-ministry-of-natural-resources
Categories: Kansas, Rural Lifestyle