Barton County firefighters have fought fires in Barton, Stafford, Rice and Russell counties in recent days, Emergency Management Director Sean Kelly told the county commission. With that in mind, commissioners voted Tuesday to establish a temporary burn ban that will be in effect until the fire hazard created by persistent dry weather conditions ends in Barton County.

“We’re fighting fires left and right,” Kelly said.

Fire chiefs from Claflin, Ellinwood and Great Bend were at the meeting and indicated they approve of this ban.

Kelly said there were five Red Flag days for fire hazards in March and an uptick in fires. The problem is statewide, with area counties in various levels of drought. “And I don’t foresee the end of this week helping us get out of it. I know there is talk of moisture coming, but the good stuff is going to stay east of Salina and Wichita.”

The ban will be in effect until the commission lifts it. 

Commission Chairman Don Reif noted gusting winds of 35 mph are also an issue.

Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger thanked all the crews that responded to the fire south of Ellinwood last week at the Quivira Wildlife Refuge.

Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said, “I don’t have a problem putting the burn ban in place, but when the conditions get better, I’d like it lifted as soon as possible.”