HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The dry fall weather is making for some high fire danger in Reno County. Several wildfires have already been reported in the past week. With no rain in the forecast and windy conditions, the problem could persist for a while. The problems this fall are connected to the wet spring and early summer flooding.
“Typically our season starts in January, but comes to a heightened time around March,” Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer said. “With the vast amount of rain that we had earlier in the year, all of that vegetation just took off. Now with fall . . . everything had dried out with no rain.”
With the dry, windy conditions, homeowners in the areas north of Hutchinson should reassess actions they’ve taken to protect their homes.
“Just check around the perimeter of the house and the landscaping,” Beer said. “Maintain the vegetation around the house. If you have perennials, make sure you cut them down.”
After the wildfires three years ago, the fire department came up with a list of things property owners can do to see if their home is at risk during wildfire season.
“We actually do have a list here of a risk management assessment plan that a homeowner can do and rate their home and give themselves a score,” Beer said. “They’re going to see if they are a low risk, moderate risk, high risk or extreme risk for their property.”
Based on that score, the fire department can then offer recommendations on what homeowners can do to better protect their property and buildings. The wildfire season is usually during the spring months, but with the extra high vegetation and dry conditions, the next few months may also be very active.
