Days without rain now sparking a Red Flag Warning for across the metro.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon.
Red Flag warning impact impact
Kansas:
Atchison, Miami, Linn, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties are under the warning
Missouri:
Platte, Clay, Ray, Carroll, Jackson, Lafayette, Saline, Howard, Cass, Johnson MO, Pettis, Cooper, Bates and Henry
The Overland Park Fire Department says its prepared for whatever comes with this Red Flag Warning.
Besides the pumper and ladder trucks you usually see they have a brush vehicle that carries up to 300 gallons of water and has four-wheel drive which allows it to get close to a grass fire.
On Wednesday morning—firefighters with Johnson County Fire District No. Two were called out to a grass fire on 191st and Clare road in Spring Hill.
The fire consumed ten acres, no buildings were damaged, but it did take two hours to put out.
Firefighters say flames mixed with a combination of high winds and dry grass can make fire jump quickly across streets and driveways which is why vigilance will be key Thursday.
“If you are a smoker don’t throw your cigarette butts out your window if you do choose to grill outside I know it’s going to be a nice weekend out so just try to stay vigilant and make sure your ashes are taken care of in a safe manner,” Brian Salmon, a firefighter and EMT with the Overland Park Fire Department said.
The cities of Overland Park and Merriam have been under a burn ban since Monday. If anyone is caught ignoring it they can face a fine of up to $500.
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Andres Gutierrez can be reached at andres.gutierrez@kshb.com
