Kansas Air Quality Health Advisory for Prescribed Burns

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Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 25th, 2026

Summary

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued an air quality health advisory for central and eastern Kansas due to smoke from prescribed burns in the Flint Hills. Elevated pollutant levels are expected through early Thursday, potentially reaching Unhealthy for sensitive groups or Unhealthy in localized areas.

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What changed

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an air quality health advisory for central and eastern Kansas, effective March 25, 2026, and expected to last through early Thursday. This advisory is due to elevated levels of particulate matter and ozone resulting from prescribed burns conducted in the Flint Hills region. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is anticipated to range from Moderate to Unhealthy for sensitive groups, with localized areas potentially reaching Unhealthy levels.

Individuals, particularly those with respiratory or heart conditions, children, and the elderly, are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Vulnerable populations should remain indoors and help maintain indoor air quality by closing windows and doors. The KDHE is implementing the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan to mitigate these impacts. This notice serves as an advisory for public health and does not impose new regulatory requirements on businesses.

What to do next

Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise if healthy.
Vulnerable individuals should remain indoors.
Close windows and doors and run air conditioners with filters to maintain indoor air quality.

Source document (simplified)

KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Prescribed Burns

Press Releases Posted on March 25, 2026 | Last Updated on March 25, 2026

Conditions were ideal for burning in the Flint Hills and all surrounding areas yesterday, March 24. Any early burning activity today, combined with remnant smoke from yesterday’s activity, will lead to elevated air pollutant levels throughout central and eastern Kansas. These conditions are expected to exist through early Thursday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from Moderate to Unhealthy for sensitive groups, and even Unhealthy in localized areas. You can view the current air quality, AQI and fire activity for your area on AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

Burning within the Flint Hills occurs annually to help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas and can be carried long distances.

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and substances that can form ozone. PM and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children, and elderly may experience worse symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. KDHE and partners continue to implement the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan to help mitigate air quality impacts that result from burning. The plan includes recommendations to minimize and disperse the smoke produced by burning.

For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills and the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, please visit the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management website.