Update: Osage County Emergency Management has rescinded the burn ban put in place March 20, 2026, as of 7:24 a.m. Monday, March 23.
First day of spring arrives with windy, hot weather
As of 2:04 p.m. today, March 20, 2026, Osage County Emergency Management has placed all unincorporated areas of Osage County under a burn ban until further notice.
Due to afternoon heat and low relative humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of northeast Kansas due to very high fire danger.
In Osage County, no burn permits will be issued until the ban is lifted, and residents are urged to use extreme caution and avoid any activities that could spark a fire.
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
For more information about Osage County’s burn ban, contact OCEM at 785-828-3323 or the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121.
