Sedgwick County Burn Ban Begins April 1

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD1) is reminding residents that a burn ban imposed by the State of Kansas will be in effect for Sedgwick County during the month of April. While burns are useful for preventing the risk of wildfires and eliminating weeds, the burn ban is in place to lessen the strain on the air for infants, older adults and high-risk individuals.

New open burn permits will not be issued during the month of April, and no current permit holders will be allowed to conduct open burns after March 31, 2026. Open burns can resume May 1, weather permitting.

The ban includes all open burning of any waste, including vegetation and wood waste, structures or other material on any premises. The following counties will be affected along with Sedgwick County: Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, Geary, Greenwood, Johnson, Lyon, Marion, Morris, Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee and Wyandotte.

Exceptions to the open burn ban include pasture, crop, range and wildlife or watershed management. The allowed burning operations will require a valid Agricultural Burn permit from SCFD1. Burn permits may be requested online at http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/fire or by calling the Sedgwick County Fire Marshal at 316-660-3473. Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) open burning regulations (K.A.R. 28-19-645 through K.A.R. 28-19-648) apply.

The April burn ban does not restrict the use of barbecue grills, smokers or backyard fire pits in Sedgwick County. Residents are encouraged to check with their local municipalities about possible stricter burn regulations.

For more information, visit April Burn Ban | Sedgwick County, Kansas.