The Wichita Fire Department is issuing an immediate burn ban on open burning permits, because of extreme dry weather. Violators will be subject to a citation and their burn permits will be suspended.
Hazardous fire conditions exist due to dry, grassy conditions and high winds.
The Fire Department stresses the need for prevention. Citizens who smoke should use extreme caution when discarding cigarette butts. A recent blaze, which led to property loss in northeast Wichita, was likely caused by a discarded cigarette.