Gov Urges Wildfire Danger Awareness in Kansas

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas residents are being urged to act cautiously with outdoor burning as the state marks a week of awareness of the dangers of wildfires. Governor Sam Brownback has signed a proclamation declaring this Wildfire Awareness Week. The state fire marshal's office said in a news release Monday that Kansas had more than 3,200 vegetation fires last year, resulting in more than $4 million in property damage and losses and six injuries. The fire marshal also says those fires burned more than 125,000 acres of land. Brownback's proclamation says preventing wildfires is a public safety issue affecting all of Kansas, not just rural areas. Residents are urged to follow posted guidelines for outdoor burning and avoid dangerous use of fireworks.