(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD1) is coordinating with staff at the Sedgwick County Park and the Sedgwick County Zoo to conduct prescribed burns Monday, April 7, 2025, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weather permitting. During this time, the park and zoo will remain open to the public, but barricades along walking paths and other areas will keep visitors away from the burn sites. Likewise, SCFD1 will use multiple apparatus and up to 15 firefighters to control the flames and monitor the weather. Once extinguished, SCFD1 crews will watch hot spots until dusk to ensure no flare-ups occur.
The prescribed fires will eliminate overgrowth and weeds at 14 sites on the properties. Using prescribed fire is a secure, efficient and economical approach to native land management that reduces fuel buildup and lowers the threat of wildfires.
SCFD1 will evaluate the weather early Monday morning, April 7, and determine by 7 a.m. whether to proceed with the prescribed burns. If the wind exceeds 15 miles per hour, the planned burn will be postponed to a later date. If weather conditions are deemed safe for the prescribed burns, Sedgwick County will post signs, including electronic traffic signs, at the entrances to the park and zoo to notify residents. Sedgwick County Emergency Communications and Emergency Management departments are also aware of this burn plan.
Those who live nearby and suffer from allergies or asthma are advised to stay indoors and keep the windows shut.
For more information, contact the office of Sedgwick County Fire Marshal at 316-660-3473.
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