The risk of wildfires is on the rise. Several Red Flag Warnings have already been issued across the state and that may just be the beginning of an active wildfire season. Ross Hauck (Hawk), with the Kansas Forest Service, says the current fuel load in Kansas is well above normal.
Hauck says even when an area receives precipitation, the fire potential remains high.
According to Hauck, a majority of the wildfires in Kansas are caused by humans.
A discarded cigarette butt, trash being burned, and a spark from a chain on a trailer coming into contact with the road can all cause wildfires. Hauck says being alert and aware of the conditions will minimize the risk of starting a wildfire.