Fire danger elevated

Jeffers said that Bourbon County is not under a burn ban, however landowners are urged to notify local fire stations prior to burning and have enough people on hand to control any fire.

According to Jeffers, the increased fire danger for Friday afternoon is caused by the combination of low humidity and increasing south winds. The winds are expected to start out light in the early morning and get stronger by the afternoon. Winds are expected to be 13-16 m.p.h. with gusts of 20-25 m.p.h. Humidity values are expected to fall blow 35 percent in many areas by early afternoon.

The areas expected to face the highest danger include dry grasses, forest leaf litter, and downed branches from the recent winter storms. These areas could easily ignite and spread rapidly potentially causing a wildfire.

The Bourbon County Emergency Management Department offers the following precautions when burning fields, trash, or debris:

* Notify the local fire station by calling Fort Scott Dispatch at (620) 223-1700.

* Notify the neighbors.

* Plan for the smoke. Know what direction the wind is blowing and what or who is in that direction.

* Have enough people to help, each with enough tools, equipment and water to control the fire.

* Be prepared in the event the fire gets out of control, and know who to call. If the fire gets out of control, call 911 or Fort Scott Dispatch at (620) 223-1700.

Jeffers added that with recent rains, the ground may be wet and muddy. These conditions may prevent firefighters from entering some fields and force them to control the fire from the road.