Update: Osage County Emergency Management has rescinded the burn ban as of 6:20 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026. Open burning is allowed with a permit.
Osage County Emergency Management has placed all unincorporated areas of Osage County under a burn ban as of 6:58 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, due to elevated fire danger forecast for this afternoon. National Weather Service at Topeka has issued a hazardous weather outlook due to elevated fire danger across northeast Kansas into the Flint Hills region.
NWS forecasts highs in the middle 70s today with southwest winds gusting 30-40 mph and sustained winds at 20-25 mph, and humidity as low as 25-35 percent. Dry conditions with strong gusts may cause fires to exhibit erratic behavior making them difficult to control. NWS reports that while some green-up is occurring, there are still dry and ample fuels available to burn.
NWS advises: Never throw cigarettes out of a vehicle. Report any wildfires to local authorities immediately. Curtail outdoor burning.
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. For more information about Osage County’s burn ban or burn permit system, contact OCEM at 785-828-3323, or the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121.
NWS graphic.
