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Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management

Environment

Air Quality

Smoke from prescribed burning adds ozone precursors and particulate matter to the air. In the presence of sunlight, ozone precursors change to ozone. Unlike ozone high in the atmosphere, low level ozone creates undesirable air quality. Particulate matter settles out onto surfaces and into lungs, where it can cause health issues. Ozone and particulate matter can both affect visibility by creating haze. Improving air quality is the primary goal of the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan.

 

map 2022

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Weather

Weather conditions have a tremendous influence on fire safely and the dispersal and transport of smoke. Weather forecasts and models can be used to select burn times that minimize the risk of smoke causing air quality issues.

More information on weather