Red flag warning sparks concern over grass fires

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Wednesday's fire danger is extremely high. A red flag warning goes into effect at noon and that means you should avoid outdoor burning.

Dry grass can immediately turn into a fire hazard and even a small spark could cause a fire that could get out of control quickly.

The red flag warning is from noon to 7 p.m. and the National Weather Service points to several factors including the dry conditions, highs in the low 90’s and 15 to 20 mile-per-hour winds.

Firefighters said this week there has been a surprising number of fires.

It took firefighters hours to get a grass fire under control at 191st and Hardy Tuesday. Grass fires also led to the loss of a mobile home in Tonganoxie Tuesday. Monday, in Jackson County there was a grass fire near Interstate 70 and Independence.

Firefighters in rural areas are faced with the fear they don’t have the resources they need.

“Every half mile that hydrant is further away is going to restrict the amount of flow unless we call for additional resources,” said Chief Jim Francis, with Johnson County District 2.

Officials said to be mindful of cigarettes, grills and outdoor burning on Wednesday.